Your super-friendly cat George loves everybody, even your dog Max who seems to have George on his hit list. George even has a special spot in his heart for the field mice that scurry through the meadow behind your house. In fact, George is so tickled with the mice that he’s brought several to you as presents. You’ve scolded George for this unacceptable behavior, but that only spurs him to bring you two mice the next day. You’re trying to understand George’s behavior so you can stop it, but you think some behavioral counseling with George’s Lawrenceville veterinarian will help as well.
The Great Feline Hunter
Remember that loving, affectionate George is a fearless hunter at heart. Somewhere in George’s DNA, he’s still got that instinct to catch small prey so his kittens can eat. Perhaps George brought his trophy home so he wouldn’t have to worry about other cats trying to steal it. Or, maybe George thinks you’re looking a little thin and he’s trying to fatten you up. You’ve got to wonder about his motivations for that one.
Cancel the Hunting Trip
Keeping George inside is the most straightforward way to stop his behavior. Be forewarned, though, that adopting this strategy subjects you to endless hours of meowing and pacing as George tries desperately to get outside. When you leave your house, keep an especially close eye on the exterior doors, as George will likely try to slip out along with you. Provide George with a fake victim to distract him. Try a fur-covered cat toy that resembles a mouse scurrying through your house; or buy a feather-covered dangling toy that you can drag through the air like a flying bird.
Level the Playing Field
Even though George has shown a blatant disregard for the field mice’s well-being, you know he’s got to return to the great outdoors sometime. Perhaps you can give the mice a chance to escape by attaching a loud, tinkling bell to George’s collar. Use a breakaway collar that automatically releases itself if George gets hung up on a fence or tree branch.
If George continues the carnage after all your hard work, graciously accept the dead mouse, and toss it back into the field while George is looking the other way. When George next sees his Lawrenceville vet for a physical exam, you’ll have some juicy feline hunting stories to share.
