Conference misery::feline_v1

    I believe baby cats need to learn how to hunt.  There was a Nature
    or Nova special awhile back about cats;  some pussies that had been
    raised as domestic pets along with a pet mouse/rat had no clue
    that the latter was prey and thought he was just a buddy.
    

cats have a range of instinctive behaviors that represent stalking and catching
prey animals - we see these behaviors in their "play".  However, as Karen
said, they must be taught to KILL by their mothers or stark necessity....it
is learned behavior.  Cats that see other cats kill can learn to kill.  As
your cat doesn't have that killer instinct, he probably doesn't know he's
supposed to....just as well, it isn't really safe for him to nibble on the
wild animals out there as they are generally loaded with parasites....stalking
is good healthy fun for him and doesn't endanger any wildlife - a pretty good
option, actually.

Besides, he may very well be capable of a kill, but not interested in bringing
any "gifts" home.....for that, be VERY grateful - my roommate had some
harrowing encounters with "gifts" delivered to her BED by Tabitha, our 
Siamese that we shared for many years.....Marge was not amused.  I was FORCED
to keep a very straight face under difficult circumstances - all around, a
difficult situation.  8^}

    Well, a sample of one doesn't mean much, but our neighbor's neutered
    male, Goliath, has been known to take a few birds.  So I don't think
    sex has anything to do with hunting ability.
    

	Both my males were strays up until they were 6 months.......they know 
	about hunting, but haven't quite worked out what it is they should hunt!

	Yoda, who's 2, has never brought home wild-life, but excells in
	leaves, cigarrette wrappers, and crisp bags.
	He often chases up the tree after a bird. The bird manages to fly away
	even before he manages to get to the base of the tree, however, this
	doen't put him off, he comes back with a leaf, and he looks 
	sooooooooooooo proud!

	Cider, who's 5, has managed about 3 birds and two mice. All five 
	looked as if they had been dead a while. The main things he brings home
	are elastic bands, and stale crusts of bread.

	Heather

    Count your blessing if they don't leave you presents.  My little
    female who we got at a vets at the age of 7 weeks...is a great
    hunter.    I'm not real sure who taught her to hunt!  My heart
    breaks when I see dead mice, moles, and birds.   The only thing
    that doesn't bother me are the dead snakes  (sorry nature lovers)
    but I hate snakes.
    
    Sandy
    
    

    Actually, I've read somewhere that Spayed Females are the best hunters. 
    This is because their maternal instinct is directed (for lack of having
    babies) towards their "owners."  They feel the need to provide for
    their "family" and that is why my sister's cat (she is 12 years old
    now) always brings us her little "gifts"
    
    She is a GREAT huntress.  Though, as time goes by it is getting more
    difficult for her... "slim pickins" this year... just a Frog (Perky
    standing at the door with moving legs hanging out her mouth) and a baby
    bird (tsk tsk!).
    
    For a 12 year old cat she's in terrific shape though.

    
    Last Sunday morning we were awoken at 6.00 by a loud howling and
    "singing" noise.  You know, the sort of noise that means there's a
    fight brewing.  We knew it was Georgie and, fearing he'd wake up the 
    whole neighbourhood Shaun got up to see what he was up to.  But there
    was no fight at all.  Georgie was sitting proudly on the patio with
    a bird he'd brought home for us!!  As soon as he saw Shaun he went
    quiet and proceeded to eat the poor little thing!!
    
    In the morning when we got up all that was left was blood stains
    and some feathers and wings!  I think Patrick is rather a considerate
    cat.  But to be fair to Georgie, he only does this occasionally!
    
    Karen (and Georgie)