If a cat is raised primarily outdoors, it usually practices its natural predatory behavior. This means it will be very useful for eliminating pesky rodents near your home, garden or barn. Even the specimens that are outdoors still need to be fed and you have to take care of them. However, with a little encouragement, they will become highly skilled rodent hunters.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Cat
Step 1. Decide what type of cat to breed
Cats that live outdoors are different than cats that leave the house from time to time. Most of these felines follow their predatory instincts if left free. However, specimens used to always living outdoors are better at surviving than those who only come out occasionally. If you wish to turn your pet into a rodent hunter, it is best to let him live outside the home.
- Shorthair cats are best suited for hunting rodents, as you don't have to worry about the fur becoming matted, matted, or getting caught somewhere.
- Females are more efficient hunters than males.
Step 2. Get a cat
Almost all specimens can become hunters. However, many animal shelters have stray cats available, which are ideal for outdoor living. They are used to spending time outside the house and are even happy to do so. They also don't need constant human company.
- Consider getting more than one cat to keep out of the house. They will be happier if they have a mate to curl up, groom each other and hunt with.
- Kittens are unable to hunt right away. They are also more vulnerable to predators such as owls and wolves. For this reason it is best to choose a cat that is already the size of an adult rabbit if you want to train him to hunt.
Step 3. Get your cat checked by the vet
Once you have chosen your future hunter, take him to the vet for a visit. The doctor will make sure that the specimen is in good health, will take care of the necessary vaccinations and treatments.
- Neutering an outdoor cat does not make them a less efficient hunter. However, it will reduce his tendency to wander around, leading him to spend more time on your property.
- Your vet can also insert a tiny microchip into your cat to identify it.
Part 2 of 3: Train the Cat
Step 1. Make sure you are providing your cat's basic needs
Even though they spend most of their time outdoors, hunting cats still need shelter and regular supplies of food and water. When you first bring your pet home, it will also need a litter box.
- You can use automatic feeders and drinkers, otherwise be sure to replenish your cat's supplies every day.
- The animal shelter should be easy to access, covered, dry, protected from wind, cold and heat. The best choices include a barn, shed, or doghouse.
- Make sure your cat can sleep in a place where he will not be disturbed by dogs, cars and children.
Step 2. Begin training your cat in a cage
When you bring him home for the first time, he will be stressed out, because he will have to learn about his surroundings. Protect him and prevent him from escaping by keeping him in a large cage or other fenced area. Place it near the animal shelter, so that it associates that area with its home.
- Make sure the fenced area is large enough for the pet to move, stretch and exercise. It should also be protected from heat, cold, rain, etc.
- You can borrow a cage from the nearest animal shelter.
- Check your cat regularly. Fill the bowls with water, food and empty the litter box when needed.
- Give the pet toys so that he doesn't get bored, as well as feed him tidbits, so that he associates his new home with good sensations.
- Place towels or blankets in the enclosed area to make your cat feel more comfortable. Choose objects that you have touched, so that the animal gets used to your scent.
- Spend some time with the cat so that it gets used to your presence and the sound of your voice. However, do not attempt to stroke or pick him up if he seems frightened or aggressive. Eventually, the animal will learn to trust you.
Step 3. Release the cat
After a week or so, it will be ready to move on its own. Open the door in the area where you locked him up and let him come out of his own accord. It may disappear for a day or two to explore. Do not move the cage and continue to supply it with food and water. The cat will return to feed.
Once your pet feels comfortable in the new environment, you can remove the cage and let him use the permanent shelter you have set up
Step 4. Observe the cat chasing rodents
These animals hunt even if they are fed regularly, because they have predatory instincts. You won't have to train him to do this.
- Cats are opportunists. Rodents are easier to hunt than other animals, such as birds, so felines wait for mice and rats to emerge from their burrows and other hiding places.
- Some cats bring rodents they have killed to their human owners as a "gift". Others eat them, or leave them somewhere.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Your Cat
Step 1. Continue to take care of your cat's basic needs
Even if you have a professional hunter, you still need to constantly give him water and food. The belief that cats don't hunt if you feed them is pure rumor. Make sure the pet's shelter is dry and comfortable; if it's cold, put blankets or straw inside.
Make sure your cat always has dry food available. If you also feed him wet food at night, you will lure him into his shelter, away from predators such as wolves and owls
Step 2. Spend some time with your cat
Outdoor specimens are more solitary than those used to being indoors. However, they still appreciate attention, so be sure to pet and play with them often.
In some cases, cats that live outdoors disappear for a day or two, wandering or exploring. They usually come back. If you haven't seen your cat for too long, look for him to make sure he is okay
Step 3. Take the cat to the vet
Specimens that live outdoors need regular checkups, vaccinations, and preventative care. Because they often stay out of the house, they are more prone to injury and illness, so keep an eye on them.
Your vet can recommend specific treatments for your cat to help prevent problems with fleas, ticks, worms and other parasites
Advice
A hunter who eats his own prey must be dewormed every month for roundworms (or roundworms) and every three months for tapeworms
Warnings
- Cats can contract toxoplasmosis, in some cases by hunting and eating wild animals. Although many individuals become immune to the disease, the disease can be transmitted to humans through accidental contact with feces or litter (as well as improper handling of raw meat). Most people are immune to toxoplasmosis, but children and those with weak immune systems need to be especially careful when handling cat litter boxes.
- Pregnant women should never handle cat litter or feces, as this parasite causes birth deformities.
