Hunting instincts are fundamental to a cat’s nature, deeply ingrained even in well-fed indoor companions. While indoor cats do not hunt to survive, they still require some reasonable outlet for their instincts. But how do you satisfy your indoor cat’s hunting needs responsibly, ethically, and bloodlessly?
This post explores the ways in which cats hunt and offers practical tips on satisfying their instincts responsibly, ethically, and without any bloodshed. Keep reading and learn everything you need to know about providing your cat with exciting yet morally acceptable and wildlife-friendly outlets for their hunting behaviours.
Hunting Cycle in Cats
Wild counterparts of our indoor feline friends are solitary hunters who target small prey. A study in which feral cats were tracked with collar-worn cameras showed that, on average, each cat would successfully catch seven preys in 24 hours. However, with a success rate of only 30 per cent, each cat had to hunt many times.
As cats hunt small prey and, therefore, engage in multiple hunts daily, it is understandable that they try to preserve energy and rest whenever possible. The same study showed that running, walking, and hunting constitute only about 30 per cent of a cat’s daily routine. For the rest of the time, they were grooming, resting, or sleeping.
Knowing the daily schedule of feral cats gives us some important insights and clues on designing a play experience emulating this natural hunting cycle. Ideal play should be short and intense yet frequent, followed by mealtime and time to rest:
Stalking and Pouncing
Cats are ambush hunters and do not engage in prolonged chases. Instead, they quietly approach their prey and pounce only when they are very close.
Apply this same dynamic during play sessions with your cat. When using a wand or teaser toy, let them ambush and pounce on their imaginary prey. Most cats won’t find some fast and random movements of a wand engaging. It is simply not their natural hunting style!
Catching (or not!)
As we mentioned earlier, only 30 percent of hunts end in a successful catch. For that reason, it’s important to remember that during playtime, your cat doesn’t need to “win” all the time. After all, in the wild, cats would need to hunt repeatedly until they catch their prey.
Give your cat the opportunity to “fail” occasionally, as this stimulates their hunting instincts. However, always finish the play session with a successful pounce, so your cat feels accomplished and confident in their abilities as a feline!
Playing with a Prey
Cats typically play with their prey before killing it. This behaviour might serve two purposes: to test if the prey is healthy and safe to eat and to exhaust the prey, reducing the risk of injury to the cat.
When playing with your cat, remember to give them a moment to engage with the toy after catching it. Some cats might even try to walk away with their “catch.” Allow them this short moment of triumph before re-engaging them in play.
Killing
After catching and playing with their prey for some time, cats eventually kill it.
To mimic this stage at home, you can occasionally give your cat simple DIY feeding toys that they need to destroy to get the treats out.
Eating
After all the hard work is now done, a cat can eventually enjoy a well-deserved meal.
After playtime, it is time to feed your cat a high-quality wet food meal. Remember to choose the brands that produce high meat-content food and always check the list of ingredients. After all, your cat did not engage in this exhausting imaginary hunt only to eat grains or sweet potatoes!
Grooming and Resting
Cats typically groom themselves and take a nap once they have consumed their prey. This rest period allows them to regenerate after the hunt, digest their meal, and conserve energy for the next hunting cycle.
As a cat owner, you can use this knowledge to your advantage. For example, playing with your cat before bedtime increases the likelihood that they will also fall asleep. This trick can also help with separation anxiety. If you play with your cat shortly before leaving home, they are more likely to go to sleep rather than lament your absence.
Let the Hunter Hunt: Stimulating Cat’s Hunting Skills
Once you understand the hunting cycle, it is time to consider toys and food that can stimulate your cat’s inner predator.
Wand or Teaser
These are classic and indispensable toys you can use in play sessions aimed at emulating the hunting cycle.
Snack-Chase
Toss a couple of small treats around and let your cat chase something they can actually eat. This technique is especially effective towards the end of your play session.
Small Food-Dispensing Toys
Use some small food dispensers so your cat can emulate playing with the prey and killing it. Our favourite ones are these small mice you can fill with kibble and hide around your house.
DIY Toys
Give your cats simple DIY toys they must destroy before getting the treats out. Use sealed envelopes or paper balls with some snacks hidden inside. For a more detailed description of such toys, check out our previous article on playing with a cat when you don’t have any toys around.
Bugs and Flies
Creepy crawlies get inside every household sometimes. But next time you see them, instead of eliminating them yourself, try to engage your cat. They might get excited about having a real opportunity to showcase their hunting skills.
High Meat-Content Food
Stimulating your cat’s inner hunter involves not only the way you play with them but also what you feed them. Remember to always feed your cat high-quality wet food with a high meat content.
Whole Prey
Lastly, treat your cat occasionally with something special and give them whole prey. It might not be the best option for cats owned by more sensitive people (I admit, I could never not pull myself to feed my cats whole mice or baby rabbits…). Still, if you can handle it, your cat will surely be overjoyed! Search for pet food shops specialising in frozen food.
Final Thoughts on House Cat’s Hunting
All cats, including indoor felines, have strong hunting instincts that need to be satisfied. Thankfully, many ways exist to meet these natural predatory behaviours without harming wildlife. The key is understanding your cat’s natural hunting cycle and closely mimicking those behaviours.
One of the easiest ways to keep your cat active and engaged is by arranging play sessions that replicate the hunting cycle. In case you are looking for appropriate toys for that purpose, check out this review of the best hunting toys for cats.
In the meantime, let us know in the comments your cat’s favorite ways to satisfy their hunting instincts.