Last updated on: August 23, 2023 by Crystal Uys
If you find yourself in a situation where your cat brought you a mouse, it’s important not to panic. This is completely normal behavior for cats, although it can be a little unsettling for us humans. Your cat is not trying to upset you, quite the contrary! They are probably displaying their hunting instinct or even their affection.
What to do if your cat brings you a mouse
Stay calm
If your cat presents you with a mouse, your first reaction might be to panic. However, it is essential to remain calm. Remember that your cat is not trying to upset you or do damage. Instead, they follow their natural instincts or try to show you affection. They don’t understand that you might find their gift disagreeable.
Don’t punish your cat
It’s crucial not to punish your cat for bringing you a mouse. They are simply acting on their natural instincts and punishing them could confuse them or damage your relationship. Your cat won’t understand why he’s being punished for something he thinks should be rewarded. Instead of punishing them, try redirecting their energy to toys and playtime.
Thank them gently
Even if you don’t want to encourage this behavior, it’s important to recognize your cat’s hard work. A simple and sweet “thank you” will suffice. This can help maintain your bond with your cat without necessarily encouraging further hunting.
What to do with the mouse
If the mouse is alive…
If the mouse is still alive when your cat brings it to you, try to trap it if possible. You can use a towel or blanket to catch the mouse, then gently release it outside, away from your home to prevent it from coming back.
If the mouse is dead…
If the mouse is already dead, use gloves to remove it to avoid any potential diseases or parasites the mouse may be carrying. Dispose of it safely by placing it in a bag and putting it in the trash.
Prevent future hunting
Keep your cat indoors
One of the most effective ways to reduce hunting behavior is to keep your cat indoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mice are most active. This can significantly reduce their opportunities to hunt.
provide entertainment
Make sure your cat has enough indoor toys and stimulation to distract him from the hunt. Interactive toys, puzzle feeders and regular playtime can help satisfy their hunting instincts in a safer and cleaner way.
Use bells on necklaces
Another strategy is to use a bell on your cat’s collar. The sound of the bell can warn potential prey of their approach, giving them a chance to escape before your cat can grab them. This can reduce the number of successful hunts and therefore the number of “gifts” you receive.
Tips to Stop Your Cat from Bringing Mice to You
You can’t keep both eyes on your cat all day, so here are some tips to help you keep dead mice out of your home.
- Keep your cat indoors, especially at dawn and dusk when mice are most active.
- Provide plenty of toys and stimulation to satisfy their hunting instincts in a safer way.
- Use a bell on their collar to warn potential prey of their approach.
- Regularly check your home for any cracks or holes that could allow mice to enter.
- Keep your yard and house clean and tidy to deter mice from entering the area.
- Don’t let your cat eat the mice it catches, as this could be dangerous for it.
- If your cat becomes ill after eating a mouse, contact your veterinarian immediately.
- Neutering or neutering will not necessarily reduce hunting behaviors in cats.
The hunting instinct
Cats are natural hunters, a trait rooted in them from their wild ancestors. This instinct does not go away just because they live indoors or are well fed. Hunting is more than just a way to get food for cats; it is also an important part of their behavior that allows them to express their natural instincts and hone their skills. Even when given enough food, cats can still hunt for sport, practice their skills, and stay mentally and physically stimulated. It’s an activity of stalking, pouncing and playing with prey that cats find incredibly entertaining.
Affectionate gestures
Another reason why cats often bring “gifts” to their owners, such as mice, is as a sign of affection. In the wild, mother cats teach their kittens to eat by bringing home dead or injured prey. Your cat might consider you a member of his family and feel the need to share his successful hunt with you. It’s a way for them to take care of you, show you that they trust you, and even tries to teach you how to hunt. While this behavior may be a little awful, it’s a big compliment in the cat world.
Other FAQs
Q: Why do cats hunt even though they are not hungry?
A: Cats hunt based on their natural instincts, not necessarily because they are hungry. They are predators and hunting allows them to express these instincts and keep their skills up to date.
Q: My cat is well fed. Why is he still hunting?
A: Even well-fed cats often engage in hunting behavior. This is due to their hunting instinct and does not necessarily indicate that they are hungry.
Q: Is it safe for my cat to eat a mouse?
Some time cats can eat mice, it is not always sure. Mice can carry diseases and parasites that are potentially harmful to your cat.
Q: Can I train my cat to stop hunting?
A: It is difficult to train a cat to stop hunting completely, as it is a natural instinct. However, you can offer other forms of stimulation to help reduce this behavior.
Q: Is hunting behavior more common in certain breeds of cats?
A: Hunting behavior is common in all cats, but some breeds may have stronger hunting instincts than others. For example, breeds like the Siamese and Bengal are known for their high prey drive.
Q: Are indoor cats less likely to hunt?
A: Indoor cats have fewer opportunities to hunt real prey, but they may still exhibit hunting behaviors with toys or other objects around the house.
Q: How can I keep mice away from my house and garden?
A: Regular pest control, patching any holes or cracks on the exterior of your home, and keeping your yard clean can help deter mice.
Q: Can spaying or neutering affect a cat’s hunting behavior?
A: Neutering or neutering can reduce certain behaviors in cats, but it usually doesn’t have a significant impact on their hunting instincts.
Conclusion
Cats are natural hunters and hunting behaviors in cats are incredibly common. However, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with allowing your cat to hunt outdoors. Keeping them indoors, providing them with plenty of stimulation, using a bell on their collar, and taking steps to deter mice from your home can all help reduce their hunting behavior and keep them safe.
Featured Image Credit: Markos Loizou, Shutterstock
About the Author
Ivy’s mom cat – a feisty little rescue kitten who is her one and only child. For the moment! Throughout her life, she was introduced to the special love found in bonding with a cat. Having owned several felines, she is more than certain that their love is unmatched, unconditional and unlike any other. Passionate about educating the public about all there is to know about felines, their behavior and their unique personalities, Crystal is dedicated to ensuring that all cats and their owners know the importance of mindful living. – and to love!