What should I do if my cat has stopped catching mice? - briefly
«Check the cat’s veterinary health, focusing on vision, hearing, and mobility, and treat any identified issues.» «Enhance hunting motivation by offering interactive toys, controlled outdoor access, and occasional live prey under supervision.»
What should I do if my cat has stopped catching mice? - in detail
When a cat ceases to hunt rodents, the first priority is to assess health. Schedule a veterinary examination to rule out pain, sensory loss, or systemic illness that could diminish predatory drive. Request a thorough physical check, blood work, and, if indicated, imaging of joints and spine.
If medical issues are excluded, evaluate the cat’s environment and diet. A well‑fed indoor cat may lack motivation to chase prey. Consider the following adjustments:
- Reduce reliance on commercial kibble; introduce a diet that mimics natural prey composition, emphasizing protein and moisture.
- Provide live‑prey simulations, such as motorized toys that dart unpredictably, to stimulate instinctual stalking behavior.
- Install safe, enclosed outdoor access (catios) where real rodents may appear, allowing the cat to practice hunting under controlled conditions.
- Enrich the indoor space with climbing structures, scratching posts, and hide‑away tunnels to encourage exploration and pouncing.
Behavioral training can reinforce hunting skills. Use short, interactive play sessions with feather wands or laser pointers, followed by a quick release of a small, live‑like toy that the cat can capture and “kill.” Reward successful capture with praise or a treat to strengthen the association between effort and reward.
Monitor progress over several weeks. If hunting activity does not resume, revisit the veterinarian to explore neurological or hormonal factors that may affect predatory behavior. Continuous observation and incremental environmental modifications typically restore a cat’s natural inclination to pursue mice.