That dead mouse on your doormat comes from a wild instinct. Here is why your cat does it and how to get fewer surprises.
Why do they hunt?
Cats are born hunters, so they hunt even when their bowl is full. The urge to chase and catch is hardwired, even in a well-fed pet.
Why bring it to you?
Home is their safest spot, so many cats carry their catch back there. Mother cats also bring prey to their kittens to teach them how to hunt. Your cat may be doing the same for you, since you never catch anything yourself.
How do you get fewer?
A study found that daily play or meatier food led cats to bring home fewer animals. Just 5 to 10 minutes of play a day made a real difference.
