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Cat Predatory Habits

Many people do not realize that cats have predatory habits that date back to ancient times. The cat’s ability to catch and kill disease carrying rodents led to their being domesticated. The cat gained popularity in a household because it could rid it of vermin. Even today, people who have barns make sure there are cats around to keep mice, rats, rabbits and other animals away from the barn.

The Egyptians were very fond of their cats and used them to rid a house of rodents. In the case of a black cat, the Egyptians worshipped this cat and the cat was not allowed to be to be killed. Many ancients pictures portrayed the black cat as a cherished possession. Other ancient cultures also protected the cat due to its' ability to rid a household of undesirable animals.

Over time, cats were brought to other countries as a result of conquests of one country by another or a gift especially to royalty. Some breeds of cat were introduced to the United States as gifts from foreign nations. The cat's predatory nature gained the cat's quick acceptance in a new culture. Cats also became pets and companions for many people.

A house cat is born with the instinct to hunt. A cat will kill its prey by biting the back of the neck and severing the spinal cord of the prey. House cats tend not to be as quick. They will usually play with their prey and eventually by whatever means kill it. Because the house cat is fed well, it may not eat it’s prey. House cats will leave the prey as a gift to it’s owner. House cats tend not to seek out their prey but if one crosses their path, they will attack.

An indoor cat has little opportunity to catch anything but bugs. A mouse may happened to get in a house. If the house has a cat, the mouse may be killed by the cat and left somewhere in the house. If you do not find where the cat left it, you may eventually notice a strange odor. Although rare, a house cat will use it’s instinctive abilities.

An outdoor cat is more aggressive in seeking out and killing its' prey. An outdoor cat may depend on what it catches for food especially if it is a stray. A outdoor cat will stalk birds, chipmunks, baby rabbits and field mice to feed on. It will tend to avoid squirrels and larger animals if it does not have an advantage over them.

This article is brought to you by www.purrfectcatproducts.com ,a one stop site for all your cat needs, for informational purposes only. For specific questions regarding this subject, please consult a professional.