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Cat's Instinct to Chase Mice: Is It Nature or Nurture?

20. December 2024
One: Is It Natural for Cats to Chase Mice?It's clear that chasing mice is indeed a natural instinct

One: Is It Natural for Cats to Chase Mice?

It's clear that chasing mice is indeed a natural instinct for cats. Every kitten is born with an innate drive to hunt, and this behavior is primarily driven by two factors:

1. Cats are drawn to chase mice not only because of their hunting instincts but also because they have a penchant for swiftmoving objects, such as rodents. Since mice are relatively small and do not pose a threat to cats, this innate tendency to catch them is a natural part of a cat's character.

2. Another reason cats chase mice is the presence of taurine in their prey. Taurine is essential for enhancing a cat's vision, which is something they require. Moreover, since many pet owners do not provide their cats with food rich in taurine, the cats naturally seek out mice to supplement their diet.

Some pet owners might wonder, why doesn't their cat chase mice? This is primarily because domesticated cats do not hunt for food and often have a wellbalanced diet. Their need for taurine is not as high, leading to a gradual loss of their mousechasing ability.

Two: Is Chasing Mice for Food the Purpose?

Many pet owners have likely seen videos online where a cat catches a mouse but doesn't eat it, instead playing with the rodent. So, is chasing mice not for food then? The answer lies in the cat's current state. If a cat is not hungry, it will play with the mouse until it loses interest;

However, if a cat is very hungry, it will tire the mouse out through play before killing and consuming it. This behavior is to prevent the mouse from fighting back and potentially harming the cat.

Conclusion

Cats chasing mice is indeed a natural instinct. If a cat is not feeling hungry, it will play with the mouse until it becomes bored. But when hunger strikes, cats typically opt to eat the mouse they've caught.

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