Tireless hunters
Sometimes it seems that a cat is not quite a domestic creature. Because even the most affectionate and pampered purr, as a rule, remains the same patient, skillful and impetuous hunter as her wild relatives.Of course, for a cat that lives in a city apartment, balls and other toys are more likely to be hunted than living creatures. However, our graceful household is not at all against catching mice, rats, birds or fish. When, of course, they can get to the victims. Therefore, if you share a home not only with a minke whale, but also with smaller animals, take care of their safety. Sometimes a cat living a free life (for example, in a country house) wants to share hunting delight with you and brings prey home. In this case, the owners are often tormented by moral torment. After all, an innocently killed mouse or bird (more, of course, a bird) is a pity! But, on the other hand, blaming the cat for their death is cruel – that’s how it works.
In the photo: a cat hunts a mouseTake a look at your favorite. Here she is, seemingly peacefully dozing in the sun. But he hears the slightest rustle – and immediately wakes up. Either freezes, waiting for the victim (muscles are tense, attention is concentrated), or begins to cautiously sneak up. If the cat shakes its head slightly in different directions and twitches its tail, it means that it is ready to jump. A swift throw – and the prey is in the teeth. Desmond Morris, an animal behaviorist, identified three options for a “death blow” when hunting a cat – depending on the prey.
- “Mouse”. The cat jumps on the prey.
- “Bird”. The cat throws the prey into the air and jumps after it.
- “Fish”. The cat strikes the prey with its paw and turns sharply to grab it.
All three methods are “programmed” in a cat, and throughout her life she hones her skills in games. Hunting a cat takes a lot of strength and energy, requires skill, dexterity, good reaction and flexibility. Regular exercise has a beneficial effect on the health of the cat and keeps it in shape. That is why it is not worth forbidding your pet to hunt. If your four-legged friend does not burn with the desire to lead an active lifestyle, it is worth “pushing” him to the hunting game 2 – 3 times a day. If the cat does not have the opportunity to waste energy on “peaceful purposes”, it can start to rage (most often in the evening): meow, rush around the house and knock down everything in its path.
