[Cats]Mouse Problem
 

Anyone else have a problem with mice because of their cats? We have outdoor cats and they have been used to having free reign of the outside world whenever they want since birth. Since we moved to the woods, they have been bringing in all kinds of wildlife (like a bat:spdchk:). This morning before I had the joy of chasing 4 mice before 10 am. :slap:

I don't know if these are gifts or if they want to annoy me. :cuss

/rant

Our cat used to bring in baby rabbits so she could chase them around the house.

:kimblair::kimblair:
You mean to say the cat brings in LIVE mice?
Usually, they bring in what's left after they are done playing with them, dead.
Your cats need some remedial training in mouse control.:confused5:

I read one time (who knows if this stuff is true or not). They bring them in for the owners to be proud of their hunting skills...

One of my cats dragged in a bunch of kittens from somewhere.. :(

I thought it was because it was obvious to them that their owners cant hunt - so it is a gift for them...:cert:

You can actually have more mice in and around the house with cats. It works like this: Well-fed cats usually don't hunt to eat, although some do. The thrill for the well-fed cat is catching and playing with the mouse; that's why they bring them alive to your house. And many times the mouse gets away from the house.

The mouse isn't going to try to run back into the wild with a cat chasing it. It will cimb up (or in) the house and hide. And Voila: A new home. I have seen this happen many times.

I've always heard that since you provide the bulk of the food, you're the alpha, and the animals brought to you are tribute.

Here's the way I understand it:

Spayed female cats are the most likely to bring gory gifts to their owners. In the wild, cat mothers teach their young how to eat their food by bringing home dead or injured prey. Domestic cats are no different. But in this modern age of spayed domestic cats, many female felines have no young to whom they need to pass on their hunting wisdom.

By leaving a dead animal on the back porch, your cat is acting out its natural role as mother and teacher. You, her loving owner, represent her surrogate family. And frankly, she knows you would never have been able to catch that delicious mouse on your own.

I had a cat who was well fed, and was a great hunter. After he discovered that the critters he caught were made of delicious (to him) food, he started eating his catch. He would leave me evidence of his hunt though.

Poor babies. I feel sorry for all the animals they bring in. Especially if they're only half dead.

:kimblair: Hey you!
No shit. :rofl:

Alive?


Luckily, the "wild" is close to the house. And I make sure they find their way back.

Is that why the male makes us chase him around the house when he has prey?:confused5:

I would be prouder if their prey were dead.

They witness us catching the mice they bring in, so they should know we are capable of hunting. :lol:

They will eat them on occasion. I know she loved the flea infested dormouse she brought in. Only thing that was left is the tail and the fleas. :cuss:

Yup alive.. 5 of them...

I'm gonna guess they are hers, not sure where she had them but they are now living out in our dirty kitchen.

That cat has had more kittens in the last few years than I have ever seen any cat have.

She is a factory!... :yesnod:


I named her Loosey. (Lucy) :lol:

Ultimately, your mice problem will be eradicated by your kittys.
They do love dropping their little trophies in front of the enterance door for your approval. Be sure to congratulate them and tell them great job!
My barn and house were infested when we bought it. It took a year, but I don't even know what a mouse trap is now. My cats are awesome...:seasix:

That's pretty much how we got these 3. We found their mom on the streets as a feral kitten (who unexpectedly came up to us) who was just able to eat solid food. Thanks to the vet who thought she was too young to be neutered, we got 4 more kittens on the 4th of July. 3 of them are with us.

Sure, if they would keep them at the door! We get these trophies brought to the living and bedroom. :willy:

This house wasn't infested when we moved in. We'll see what happens after the winter. :lol: