Understanding More about Your Cat’s Outdoor Hunting Habits

If you have a cat that loves to go outside, you’re probably no stranger to finding dead animals on your doorstep. While some cats may be keener hunters than others, you’d probably like to know what motivates your cat to hunt.

Many cat owners have found dead mice or birds on their doorstep, and for those whose pets are fed regularly and given everything they could want, it may seem strange that they still leave corpses for you to spot. If you are one of those with a cat that’s a skilled hunter, though, it helps to understand why they do what they do.

Natural Born Hunters

Cats are born with the instinct to hunt, but they need to learn how. Much like newborn humans take cues from their parents on how to walk or speak, young cats watch their mother or other older cats catch prey and eat it.

They then mimic what they see. As a kitten grows up, it may practice hunting behaviors by playing with toys or even other animals outside the house. When a cat is confined to an indoor area, they may make a game out of murder, in which they pounce on and “kill” stuffed toys.

Different Ways Cats Hunt

Cats usually use three different strategies when they hunt: ambush, pounce, or fishing. Ambush means falling silently on the prey from a hiding place where it cannot be seen. Pounce means when the cat crouches down and intently focuses its eyes on the prey, then leaps and catches the prey in its jaws. Fishing means that the cat lies in wait near a path frequented by rodents, then suddenly pounces on one as it scurries for cover.

Why They Hunt

There are several reasons why cats hunt. The most obvious is that they are hungry and looking out for you to provide food. Some also hunt simply to occupy their time and because they enjoy it. They are natural predators, and they enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the satisfaction of catching their prey.

Hunting is also an exercise in agility and balance. If a cat’s diet is rich and the cat is overweight, it may hunt to burn off energy. Some cats may also hunt to keep their claws sharp by practicing their pouncing and catching.

Sometimes, It’s a Gift

While cats are certainly well known for bringing home dead animals, it’s not always quite so heart-wrenching. Sometimes the cat is bringing you a gift. They do this because they know that you like animals, even if you don’t like dead ones.

If you’ve given your cat food or treats that are made for your pet, you may be able to spot the similarities between the taste and smell of the treats and the taste and smell of the fresh prey. This can make the cat think that bringing you a dead rodent or bird would be a nice offering.

Conclusion

Cats are natural predators, and if your cat goes outside, you can expect to find dead animals on your doorstep. While this can be a bit gruesome for most pet owners, it’s not always as heartbreaking as it seems. In many cases, the cat is simply hunting to keep its instincts sharp or show their appreciation. It’s definitely not a cause for alarm.
At The Pets People, we aim to provide pet owners like you with comprehensive content to teach you more about the best ways to understand your pet. Learn more about cat behavior and training by browsing through our selection of cat articles today!