When domestic cats play with prey before killing the poor animal it can be distressing for the cat’s caregiver as often they are general animal lovers as well as cat lovers. There is, however, from the cat’s perspective, a perfectly logical reason for it – three reasons actually, which I have summarised in the infographic below. You might disagree or have further or other reasons and if so please share them in a comment. I always welcome comments.
3 reasons why cats play with prey before killing it. Infographic. by Michael BroadPerhaps an additional reason why cat owners generally dislike it when their cat plays with a mouse is because all good cat caregivers regard their darling feline friend and companion as a bona fide family member; a little person, a child. This is perfectly understandable.
It can lead to unwanted human behaviour unless the caregiver moderates their thoughts and reminds themselves that they are living with a cat! Cats have their ways. All of their character and behavioral traits are built around the ineluctable premise that the domestic cat is one of the world’s best predators.
Eons of evolution has allowed nature to mold the domestic cat into a beautiful killing machine. Their raison d’être is to kill. And it can be distressing to see this happen inside one’s home in an extended, apparently cruel way. We just have to get used to it. It is not cruel from the cat’s perspective.
It is one reason why many cat owners keep their cats inside the home all the time. Great, but not so great for the cat who’s unable to express their hunting desires which are deeply ingrained and always present.
