Cat Owner's Manual › Chapter 10: Appendix › Common Cat Problems and Solutions ›

Cat Brings Home Dead Mice/Birds

PROBLEM: Cat kills mice and/or birds, then brings them home to you.

CAUSE AND SOLUTION: Cats don't recognize pack structures, but they may regard an owner as family. As such, they may choose to honor you by having you share in a kill. The best approach is to not make a scene. Simply dispose of the carcass and then refrain from allowing your cat to roam outdoors un-escorted.

Comments (3)

Chapter 10: Appendix

Comments for This Page (3)  |  Post a Comment

I don't totally agree with that. My comment is that the animal is bringing his fresh kill back to his 'den' where it will be safe from other predators (cats). And not letting a 'hunter' type cat or feral cat hunt can depress them. That is part of their makeup and they enjoy the mental and physical stimulation of the 'hunt'.

purred by C J on Jun 17, 2009 AT 5:33 am PDT
Helpful? Y / N    Report this Comment

I'd say y'all are both right. My cat hunts drags her prey to our yard for that reason. Periodically she feels the need to 'feed' us. I've learned to make sure the screen door is closed.

purred by Rhenish Bryant on Jul 9, 2009 AT 1:50 pm PDT
Helpful? Y / N    Report this Comment

I may be out on a limb here, but when my cat brings home dead birds, I feel both flattered that he considered our home to be his home, and proud of him for his accomplishment.

purred by allan carhart on Nov 7, 2009 AT 10:50 pm PST
Helpful? Y / N    Report this Comment

Post a Comment for This Page

Please log in or register to post a comment.

Email
Password:

Quirk BooksThe Cat Owner's Manual is a basic guide to cat care.
The book was written by a celebrated veterinarian and an acclaimed author. It provides cat owners with well-researched and helpful information presented in a lighthearted manner. The creators chose to write the book in a style similar to what you'd find in "operating instructions" for a car or computer. Of course they--and we--respect the fact that our beloved pets are not products or machines!