 |
Many cat owners may wonder why their beloved feline companions have a penchant for hunting and consuming mice, despite being provided with commercial cat food. To find the answer, we can delve into their ancestry, biology, and innate instincts.
Centuries ago, cats were predominantly outdoor animals. They were kept by humans for their exceptional hunting abilities to control pests. To witness their hunting behavior in action, one can observe the behavior of African wildcats, their closest wild relatives. These nocturnal creatures primarily hunt during the nighttime, relying on their acute hearing to locate prey based on sound cues. African wildcats typically hunt birds, insects, mice, rats, and small reptiles. They obtain moisture from the prey they consume and rarely drink water separately.
Cats consume their prey to acquire an essential amino acid called taurine. Unlike some other animals, cats cannot produce sufficient taurine on their own, which is why it must be obtained through their diet. Meat contains an adequate amount of taurine to fulfill a cat's body requirements, making them classified as "obligate carnivores." Commercial cat foods available in the market are formulated to provide the necessary taurine.
While domestic cats exhibit similar behaviors, human intervention has influenced their hunting habits, allowing them to hunt both during the day and night. Hunting is deeply ingrained in a cat's natural instincts. Even as early as six weeks old, kittens display pouncing behaviors when it comes to their food. Hunting is a survival instinct for cats, and they often approach their prey with caution, slowly creeping on their bellies before pouncing.
Domestic cats kept indoors may engage in hunting behavior even without actual prey, as it is instinctual. However, they may not possess the same hunting skills as feral cats, as they were not taught by their mothers to kill their prey. Therefore, domestic cats may play with the mice they catch or present them to their owners as an "offering" since they may not know how to effectively kill them.
Cat lovers need to understand that it is perfectly normal for their feline companions to hunt and consume mice. While it may seem unpleasant to humans, it is a natural and enjoyable behavior for cats. Hunting is an inherent aspect of their instincts, and they should be allowed to exercise this ability through interactive play with toys or feathered rods. In cases where domestic cats no longer have the opportunity to hunt, owners should remember to deworm their cats twice a year, as rodents can carry intestinal parasites that can infect both cats and humans.
