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Cat’s Stalking Behavior and Instinct
By nature, cats are superb hunters who enjoy stalking their
prey. For domesticated cats, the “prey” can be something
as simple as an insect or a wind up toy. But, is it always
healthy and normal for a cat to stalk, or is there ever
a reason to be concerned about a stalking cat?
A Matter of Instincts
Even indoor cats have the natural instinct to hunt and to
stalk. With an indoor cat, stalking generally is not a sign
of hunger. Rather, they stalk prey out of curiosity or because
they simply need to add a little excitement to their lives.
Hunting and stalking also helps the cat get a little exercise
and provides a release for pent up energy.
For the most part, domesticated cats prefer chasing mice or
other small rodents. Some even enjoy stalking and catching
rabbits and birds. A domesticated cat that is well fed will
generally just play with the prey rather than eat it. In fact,
it is rare for a well cared for domesticated cat to eat its
prey. Many people think cats are cruel because they play with
their prey, but this is just simply the cat’s way of satisfying
its natural hunting instinct and of getting exercise.
When a cat uses its stalking skill to hunt for prey, it moves
quietly and attracts very little attention. Cats particularly
enjoy stalking in areas with high grass because it helps prevent
the prey from seeing them. This stalking instinct can be a
little disturbing for cat owners who are also bird lovers.
If a cat has a tendency to stalk wild birds that the cat owner
wants to be left alone, it can be a good idea to tie a bell
around the cat’s neck. This will help warn the birds of the
nearby stalking cat.
Negative Behaviors
Besides destroying the wild bird population with their stalking
and hunting instincts, some cats can begin to exhibit their
stalking behaviors in negative ways. Indoor cats that are the
only cat in the household are most likely to develop negative
stalking behaviors. For example, a cat can learn the patterns
of behavior of its owner. So, when it hears the owner arrive
home, it might engage in stalking mode and pounce on the owner
and bite him or her on the ankle when he gets home. This behavior
is sometimes referred to as predatory-play aggression because
it combines elements of play with elements of predatory behavior.
When this happens, the owner understandably becomes upset.
The owner might yell at the cat or spray the cat with water
to attempt to make the cat stop the behavior. But, this isn’t
the proper way to modify this behavior.
Modifying Stalking Behavior
Indoor cats tend to engage predatory-play aggressive behavior
more than outdoor cats. This is because indoor cats are more
likely to become bored. In addition, outdoor cats have a far
greater number of options for fulfilling their predatory behavior
– such as stalking small outdoor animals, insects, and birds.
For the indoor cat, however, it is necessary to purchase toys
that encourage the cat to stalk. This gives the cat the opportunity
to engage in its natural predatory instincts in a healthy way.
The cat should have access to toys that both involve the owner
and those that do not. Toys that involve the owner help to
create a bond between the pet and its owner. On the other hand,
cats also need to learn how to engage in solitary play, and
this includes stalking and other predatory behaviors.
Choosing Toys
Toys that are lightweight and easy to move are the best types
of toys to help the cat engage in its stalking behavior. Bouncy
toys are also a good choice, as are toys that hand from the
top of doors or from doorknobs. Toys that hang from other items
should be moved around the house, however, to help keep the
cat’s environment different and enriching. Toys can even be
hidden in places such as laundry baskets to add to the excitement.
Toys that resemble the natural prey of cats, such as mice,
are also good choices. In addition, toys should be large enough
to prevent choking, but small enough to be easily moved by
the cat. The material used to create the toy should also be
indestructible. Otherwise the cat, particularly kittens, will
destroy the toy. This is not only messy, but also poses as
a choking hazard.
A cat that is properly stimulated with toys that allow it
to utilize its stalking skills will be far healthier than one
that is not. In addition, the cat will be far less likely to
pounce on or harm the owner or the household belongings.
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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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