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Your big tabby cat Max perfectly fits the definition of a fierce feline hunter. While Max spends most of his time indoors, he ventures out every morning to survey his territory and fend off marauding cats. Unfortunately, Max also nails songbirds and mice on a regular basis. You know cats have an instinct to hunt, but you wish Max wouldn’t bring the carcasses into the house and drop them at your feet. You’ve had enough of Max’s conquests, so you’ve asked your Southeast Denver veterinarian to give fearless Max some appropriate behavior modification. Read more about some strategies that could also work.

Fearless Feline Hunter

You know Max isn’t hungry, as your vet has prescribed a high-quality food that provides all the nutrients your cat needs. Max is likely operating out of instinct, trying to snag some prey for his ravenous kittens. Since Max has been neutered, he doesn’t have any kittens; so perhaps he wants you to chow down on the food.

On the other hand, maybe Max brings his trophies home so he doesn’t have to worry about buzzards or rodents challenging him for the scraps. Or, maybe Max is just profusely thanking you for adopting him a few months ago.

Give the Prey an Even Chance

Currently, the playing field is stacked against the birds and mice, as they often don’t know Max is stalking them until it’s too late. Give the little creatures an even chance by attaching a loud, tinkling bell to Max’s collar. Ideally, the bell will make a racket when Max pads along, giving his alert prey time to escape. Make sure you purchase a breakaway collar with an auto-release mechanism. You certainly don’t want Max to strangle himself if the collar hangs on a fence or tree branch.

Trap Your Hunter Indoors

Of course, you can just keep Max indoors, but be warned that he’ll make your life miserable beyond belief. He’ll stalk the birds through the window, whining and meowing in frustration while he watches his prey get away.

Since Max is a clever cat, he’ll probably ignore the dangling feathered bird and wind-up furry mouse you give him. Try a more challenging laser beam toy Max can chase around the room.

If Max keeps depositing carcasses at your feet, pretend to be delighted, and dispose of the body when Max goes off to congratulate himself on another conquest. Good thing your Southeast Denver vet can address Max’s inappropriate hunting behavior before it gets any worse.