Cats are highly specialized for hunting, even your domestic diva. Cats do not necessarily hunt to get food, although they can. According to Wikipedia, the cat’s desire to hunt is thought to be the indirect result of a mutation that caused their ancestor to lose the ability to taste sugars, thereby reducing their intake of plant foods. Domestic cats may hunt mice, rats, lizards, and unfortunately birds. They may kill their prey rapidly or slowly. And, they may bring their trophy to you probably for praise.

Throughout history, the cat’s ability to control rodent populations through hunting made them highly valued and at times deified (something cats have not forgotten).

Today, cats continue to enjoy respect as mousers or barn cats in rural America. Rodents are a major cause of damage and property loss in barns. They destroy insulation, electrical wiring, bedding, leather, and contaminate feed supplies. A cat, that is a good mouser, will control rodent populations without the need for poisons that can harm other animals.

If you have or plan to get a barn cat, you should also plan on providing a bit of extra health care. Many rodents carry parasites and other diseases that can make your mouser sick and shorten his life span considerably. Therefore, you should plan on providing de-worming, vaccinations, and routine health checks. Also be sure your barn cat has plenty of clean drinking water and a quality cat food.

Posted by Julie.