Many people do not realize that cats have predatory habits that date back to ancient times. Its ability to catch and kill disease carrying rodents led to their being domesticated. It gained popularity in a household because it could rid it of vermin. Even today, people who have barns make sure they are 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 worshiped it and it was not allowed to be to be killed. Many ancients pictures portrayed it as a cherished possession. Other ancient cultures also protected it due to its ability to rid a household of undesirable animals.
Over time, they were brought to other countries as a result of conquests of one country by another or a gift especially to royalty. Some breeds were introduced to the United States as gifts from foreign nations. The predatory nature gained its quick acceptance in a new culture. They also became pets and companions for many people.
A house cat is born with the instinct to hunt. In the wild, it will kill its prey by biting the back of the neck and severing the spinal cord of the prey. Once domesticated, it tends not to be as quick. It will usually play with its prey and eventually by whatever means kill it. Because it is fed well, it may not eat its prey and may leave the prey as a gift to its owner. It tends not to seek out its prey but if one crosses its path, it will attack.
An indoor cat has little opportunity to catch anything but bugs. A mouse may happened to get in a house. The mouse may be killed by it and left somewhere in the house. If not find where it is left, eventually a strange odor may appear. Although rare, it will use its instinctive abilities.
An outdoor cat is more aggressive in seeking out and killing its prey. It may depend on what it catches for food especially if it is a stray. It 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. It may develop fleas and other diseases from its prey.
Frank Loethen lives with his wife and three cats, Sunny, Sinclair and Midnite, in Georgia. My wife and I recently added a new member to the house.a long haired chihuahua from a rescue shelter. If you enjoyed this article, please visit my cat products website, http://purrfectcatproducts.com/, your one stop site for all your cat and kitten needs. Cat food, cat toys, litter accessories and cat treats are among the many items on the site. You can also see my three cats and the chihuahua on the site.
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