A guide to cat hunting behaviour

As your cat sprawls out, belly up on a sunny afternoon, you may forget that you actually live with a furry little killer. But just like their larger, wild cousins, cats are natural hunters. (We just wish they didn’t leave their catches on our doorstep.)

So why do cats hunt? And how do you stop cats from hunting if you don’t like finding the local wildlife in your living room? Read on to learn more about cat hunting habits.

Cats hunt due to their carnivorous nature. Hunting is not just a skill taught by mum but also instincts from ancestors who hunted to survive. They might receive two square meals a day (plus treats) but many outdoor cats still hunt. They find it fun and mentally stimulating.

It doesn't all come naturally. Cats learn to hunt and strengthen their skills through observation, practice, and trial-and-error.

Kittens observe their mum's hunting strategies from a young age. They watch her stalk, pounce and prey, and their siblings become the first 'target.' Kittens also play amongst each other, practising their newly learned hunting skills.

As they become cats, the hunting instinct strengthens. They'll begin chasing insects and eventually work their way up to catching larger rodents such as mice. Sometimes, your feet under the covers may become prey too. Watch out.

Some cats prefer to climb trees and strike from above. Others aren't so nimble and prefer to hunt from the ground. Wherever it may be – cats have excellent stalking, pouncing and ambush abilities.

They utilise stealth and patience to silently approach their unsuspecting prey. It’s all about saving energy for the final kill by avoiding a lengthy chase as much as possible. They may hide behind objects or in tall grass during their stalking sessions. Then, when the perfect moment strikes – BAM. One-strike-kill.

No, cats hunt because it's their instinct. Not because they're hungry. Feeding your cat delicious food (like KatKin) won't stop them from hunting.

Instincts and skills learned in kittenhood won’t go away because you label them an indoor cat. Even if they are fed only the best. To them, they are still the stealthiest, most lethal hunter in the world.

Although your cat batting around toys with a single paw may be cute, playing with their prey serves a real purpose. Tiring out their target will slow it down, preserving the cat's energy. This reduces the risk of injury or fatigue. It's pretty clever, really. And allows them to be more deadly.

With their accessible perching locations, fast movements, and the attractive sound of fluttering wings, birds naturally trigger a cat's prey drive. They are an irresistible target. Unfortunately, it’s thought that cats kill 10 times more wildlife than other hunters of their size. They can wreak havoc on the local bird population. To give birds a chance to escape, attach a bell to your cat’s collar as an early warning sign. (Just make sure it’s a breakaway collar for your cat’s safety.)

No. Cat hunting behaviour is purely instinctive and natural. You shouldn’t punish your cat for it – you'll just confuse them.

If you aren't the biggest fan of cats bringing home gifts from the garden, consider keeping them indoors. Add to the indoor high-life by building an outdoor enclosure for their enrichment – also known as a ‘catio’. It gives them somewhere to relax outside while keeping the local wildlife population safe. Plus, you’ll get some serious brownie points from your cat.

There’s no way to stop your cat hunting. However, as a committed cat parent, there are many things you can do to help your cat unleash those hunting cravings. Which don’t involve finding a mouse in your slipper.

It’s time to have some fun together. Playing with your cat consistently will deepen your bond all while keeping cravings in check by adding stimulation and exercise. Just ensure your cat always makes the ‘kill’ after playtime. Be a star, and do some homework. Start with reading up on how to play with your cat properly.

Some cats can be trained to walk on a harness. If you’re lucky and your cat loves going for a walk on a lead, you can take them for strolls outside together. Whether it’s in the garden or the park, make sure they can’t slip out of their harness if they get startled.

This time outside is not only great exercise, but a refresher of their environment. Walking allows them to burn off extra energy they may use to hunt if not released. But it's important not to stray too far from home.

Setting up a bird feeder outside your window is the cat equivalent of having a 4K TV in your living room. Your cat will likely spend hours watching the birds and chittering at them. Which is just as entertaining for you as it is for them.

Set up several feeders outside closed and secured windows for high-quality entertainment and mental stimulation.

Offering your cat a puzzle toy is a perfect option for keeping your cat mentally engaged. Fill one up with KatKin Nibbles and watch your cat work out how to get to them out. You don’t have to buy a fancy toy. You can make simple puzzles with the centre of toilet roll tubes or by cutting paw-sized holes in an old cardboard box. This works on their problem-solving abilities. And satisfies their hunting instincts.

Lastly, the most important question of them all – are all those dead birds gifts or a threat?

They are gifts. Your cat is showing appreciation by bringing you gifts and providing for you. According to them, you are incapable of hunting for yourself. So they have to do it for you. Does that make you feel loved? It should!

Cats are obligate carnivores. So a high-protein diet will give your cat the energy to play for hours, even if it means grabbing your toes beneath the duvet at 2am. KatKin’s fresh cat food provides your cats with everything they need to be happy and healthy – 100% fresh, gently cooked, human-quality meat. Preservative free and frozen to stay fresh.