If you have a cat, you’re probably no stranger to receiving “gifts” from time to time. These treasures may be larger prey such as dead spiders, mice, rabbits, or squirrels (if your cat is a particularly good hunter), or they may even be inanimate objects such as teddy bears. This behavior often confuses owners, especially when the gift takes the form of a dead animal and delicious food is readily available at home.
So why would a cat bring you a dead animal? Read on to learn everything you need to know and why receiving these little gifts is actually a compliment.
Why would a cat bring you a dead animal?
The simple answer to why your cat is bringing you dead animals is because it’s a survival instinct. Your Feline Is a Little Predator Even though they have been domesticated for thousands of years, this hunting instinct can still be seen in your pet.
In the wild, female cats teach their kittens how to survive, including finding food and eating. And as spaying and neutering become more and more common, pets often don’t have any offspring to pass their hunting skills on to, so maybe they’re trying to teach their humans.
Your cat bringing you a dead animal is actually a compliment. According to cat behaviorist, Anita, cats will take their kills home to a place where they feel safe, comfortable and secure. Or maybe it’s because they want to share their haul with their family too!
How to stop your cat from bringing home dead animals
While it’s good for your cat to bring a dead animal into your home, receiving it is not and can cause considerable damage to the environment. According to the RSPB, how many birds can a cat kill? UK bird decline – RSPB. It is estimated that cats in the UK alone capture 100 million creatures during spring and summer, 27 million of which are birds.
Since this behavior is ingrained in your pet, it’s not just a matter of training them to behave, but there are some simple steps you can take to protect wildlife in your area.
1. Put a bell on their collar
Putting a bell on your cat’s collar is one of the easiest ways to stop your cat from successfully hunting a creature. The chime will sound the sound of your cat approaching a wild animal and give them time to fly or scurry to safety. Always make sure it is a quick release collar as this will undo if your cat happens to get stuck on something.
2. Be careful where you place your bird feeders
If you have a bird feeder in your garden and you happen to have a cat, be careful where you place the table and feeder. Avoid placing any low ground within easy reach of your cat, and if your cat is a bit of a climber, it’s best to avoid bird feeding in the garden altogether.
3. Don’t let your cat out at certain times
Avoiding letting your cat out at night and early in the morning is one of the most effective ways to stop them from killing prey, as this is when small mammals and birds tend to be most active and vulnerable. This is easier said than done because cats are crepuscular (meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk), so you may find them yelling and wreaking havoc at the door, begging for freedom!
4. Redirect your cat’s energy through play
If you give your cat an outlet for their instincts, it will help satisfy their prey drive. Stuffed mice feel like prey and cats love toys they can chase – so why not try a wind-up mouse or even better a wand so you can join in the fun!
Play is great for your cat because not only does it satisfy their hunting needs, but it’s also a great form of exercise and a way for you to bond with your feline.
If, despite your best efforts, your cat keeps getting outside to catch and kill animals, it’s more important for you to keep them under control. Flea and Worm Treatment. Hunting is one of the most common ways your cat can catch worms, plus fleas will often jump to your pet from dead animals.
Original article author：Shit Shovel Officer，If reprinted, please indicate the source.：https://www.petcatanddog.com/article/10324.html