When it comes to cats, there’s a lot of debate over whether they’re domesticated or not. After all, they still have a strong hunting instinct. Even if your cat is well-fed and has a comfortable home, he may still hunt small animals outside. While the reasons for this behavior are still being studied, it’s thought that cats hunt for a few different reasons. Cats are naturally curious creatures, and they may hunt simply to see what they can catch. Hunting is also a way for cats to release excess energy, and it helps them stay sharp and agile. Some experts believe that hunting is also a way for cats to bond with their owners.
Why Is My Cat Hunting So Much?
Your cat may be hunting so much because of the following reasons:
i. Curiosity
As stated before, cats are very curious creatures. This can lead them to get into all sorts of trouble, including hunting. When a cat sees a small animal, he may want to catch it just to see what it is. They may also play with their prey before killing it, which can extend the hunting process.
ii. Excess Energy
Cats are known for being lazy, but they actually have a lot of energy. If your cat isn’t getting enough exercise, he may start to hunt more often as a way to release that energy. Indoor cats may benefit from regular play sessions with their owners or some type of puzzle toy that encourages them to move around.
iii. Survival Instinct
In the wild, cats have to hunt to survive. Even though your cat is well-fed, his hunting instinct may still be strong. This is especially true if he was born in the wild or raised by a feral mother.
iv. Lack of Stimulation
If your cat is bored, he may start to hunt more often as a way to entertain himself. This is especially true if there’s nothing else for him to do. Make sure your cat has plenty of toys and access to safe places to explore. You may also want to consider getting a second cat as a playmate.
v. Genetic Predisposition
Some experts believe that hunting is innate in all cats, regardless of whether they’re domesticated or not. If your cat’s ancestors were hunters, he may be more inclined to hunt as well. This behavior can also be passed down from mother to kitten.
Can I Train My Cat to Stop Hunting?
It is possible to train your cat to stop hunting, but it will take time and patience. Here are some tips to help you get started:
i. Spay or neuter your cat
The first step is to have your cat spayed or neutered. Neutering makes your cat less likely to roam and hunt. It also reduces the urge to mate, which can cut down on hunting behavior. The sooner you have your cat spayed or neutered, the better.
ii. Provide plenty of exercises
As we mentioned before, cats need to release their excess energy somehow. Give your cat plenty of opportunities to run and play. This can be in the form of regular play sessions, puzzle toys, or even a cat tree. The more your cat exercises, the less likely he is to hunt.
iii. Keep your cat busy
A bored cat is more likely to hunt than a stimulated one. Make sure your cat has plenty of toys and access to safe places to explore. You may also want to consider getting a second cat as a playmate.
iv. Reward good behavior
Whenever your cat exhibits good behavior, be sure to praise him. This will reinforce the desired behavior and make it more likely to continue. You can use treats, petting, or even verbal praise.
v. Seek professional help
If you’ve tried everything and your cat is still hunting, it may be time to seek professional help. A behaviorist or veterinarian can help you figure out the root of the problem and create a plan to address it.
See Also: Do Domestic Cats Hunt Squirrels?
And: Which Cats Are the Best Hunters?
How Do I Get My Cat to Stop Killing Animals?
If your cat is killing animals, here are some things you can do to help stop the problem.
i. Keep your cat indoors
One of the best ways to stop your cat from killing animals is to keep him or her indoors. By doing this, you will prevent your cat from having access to potential prey. In addition, keeping your cat indoors will also protect wild animals from becoming victims of feline hunting behavior.
ii. Provide adequate stimulation
Another way to help stop your cat from killing animals is to provide him or her with adequate stimulation. Cats that are bored or lack mental stimulation are more likely to engage in hunting behavior. To keep your cat Stimulated, make sure to provide him or her with plenty of toys and playtime.
iii. Never punish your cat
It’s important to never punish your cat for killing animals. Doing so will only increase your cat’s anxiety and may make the problem worse. If you punish your cat, he or she may start to associate you with the negative experience and become afraid of you.
iv. Talk to your veterinarian
If you’re struggling to stop your cat from killing animals, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian. He or she can offer additional tips and advice on how to solve the problem. In some cases, your veterinarian may also recommend medication to help stop your cat’s hunting behavior.
Does A Bell on A Cat Collar Work?
Yes, a bell on a cat’s collar can work to help stop your cat from hunting animals. The sound of the bell will startle your cat and help to discourage him or her from stalking and attacking prey. It will also warn potential prey that the cat is in the vicinity. In addition, the bell will also help you to keep track of your cat’s whereabouts so you can better monitor his or her behavior.
Putting a bell on your cat’s collar can help to stop him or her from hunting animals. If you’re struggling to stop your cat from hunting animals, it’s important to talk to your veterinarian. He or she can offer additional tips and advice on how to solve the problem. In some cases, your veterinarian may also recommend medication to help stop your cat’s hunting behavior.
Featured image: Cat Stalking in the Long Grass
