If you are looking for a natural and effective way to keep rats away from your home, a rat cat may be the answer. A cat with a strong hunting instinct can be one of the best pest control options out there, especially if you have a feral cat on your hands. With the right approach, you can train your fierce cat to be a great mouser. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Start with a feral cat
Wildcats, unlike domestic cats, are often naturally more adept at hunting. They’ve grown up in the wild, relying on their instincts to survive, which makes them prime candidates for becoming excellent mousers. If you already have a feral cat, you’re on the right track. If not, you might want to contact a local rescue group or shelter to adopt one.
Bringing a feral cat into your home requires patience and care. Ensure the cat feels safe and comfortable, as these cats can be more skittish than domesticated ones. However, once they trust you, they will be more likely to work with you and become your mouse-catching partner.
Step 2: Encourage the habit of eating raw meat and interactive games
To sharpen your feral cat’s hunting instincts, feed them a diet that mimics what they would catch in the wild. Raw meat, like small portions of raw chicken, fish, or beef, can remind them of the prey they’d naturally hunt and eat. Mix it with their regular food to ease them into this diet. You want to avoid turning your cat into a treats-and-biscuits eater, as this can dull their hunting drive and make them lose interest in prey.Feeding raw meat reinforces their natural predatory instincts, which are essential for developing mouse skills.
In addition to their diet, interactive play can further enhance their predatory instincts. Use toys such as feather sticks, laser pointers or moving objects that mimic the behavior of small animals. These play sessions not only make training more engaging but also improve their stalking, pouncing and chasing skills. A combination of proper diet and playful hunting exercises helps keep your cat focused and ready to catch mice when the time comes.
Remember, always make sure meat is fresh and safe to eat to avoid health risks. We already have an article on preparing raw and how to avoid risks. So, be quick and careful.
Step 3: Dealing with rats: Spot, lock and release the cat
Now that your cat is comfortable and playful, it’s time to let them do what they do best – catch mice!
When you notice signs of mice in your home — droppings, crumpled food packaging or even seeing a mouse dart across the house — it’s your cat’s moment.
Detect the mouse: Once the mouse realizes where the click is hiding or where it is, it’s time to act.
Lock up the room: Take your cat to the area where the mouse is and then close any exits to prevent the mouse from escaping. Start the hunt by blocking the way home.
Let your cat catch: At this point, your cat’s aggressive instincts will kick in. Give your cat time and space to catch mice. This may take a little patience, but it’s important to let the process unfold naturally.
Take the cat and mouse outside: Once your cat catches the mouse, take both the cat and the mouse outside. This is a critical step because there’s always a chance the mouse could escape in the final moments. If it escapes in the house, it may get lost in another room, and you’ll be back to square one. So, take them outside and shut the door behind you, giving your cat time to finish the job without the risk of the mouse escaping indoors.
Step 4: Rewarding Your Mouser Cat
Once your cat successfully kills the mouse, don’t forget to reward them! Positive reinforcement helps your cat understand that catching mice is good, encouraging them to continue their work as a mouser. Offer your cat a tasty treat, like a small piece of raw meat or their favorite snack, to show your appreciation for a job well done.
Final Thoughts
Training a cat to be a mouser doesn’t happen overnight, especially with a cat that may still be adjusting to home life. However, by feeding them a diet that fuels their hunting instincts and giving them the opportunity to catch mice naturally, you’ll soon have an excellent mouser at your side.
