Mighty Mousers

    Cats have long been legendary and well appreciated for their fine mousing skills. From the cat fancying Egyptians to the seafarers who took them around the world to cat lovers of today, cats are mousers. Ever wonder why that is?

    Believe it or not, cats have to be taught how to hunt, and more interesting, how to hunt specific animals such as mice. If a kitten doesn't see mother cat or another cat hunting & killing a rodent or a bird, then that kitten will not learn how to hunt that particular prey. In fact, there are cases where cats live easily side by side with rodents and birds (as pets) without predation. But once they learn, most cats become very good at it!

    Take the case of Towser, documented to be the world's best mouser. Towser's claim to fame: a recorded tally of 28,999 mice. This record holding mouser lived in the Glen Turret Distillery in Scotland, a place sure to have lots of grain and therefore lots of rodents. Today a memorial to the great Towser still remains at the Distillery, even though other cats have come to pick up where he left off.

    Perhaps because cats are taught mousing skills they tend to have different styles of hunting. Towser hunted for the pure thrill of it - he was very well fed his owners always said. Some live for the excitement of the pounce - a subtle, sneak-up and play style. Others just go-for-the gusto and attack with their whole self, full force. I suppose the cat who lives by the hunt is much more streamlined and efficient - a quick kill. But given the chance, a mousing cat can't resist the fun, whether a toy mouse (which my cats thoroughly enjoy) or the real thing.

    Is your cat a mouser? Perhaps a world-class one? Tell us about it. Maybe those polydactyl puddies are better suited for catching prey. Think your kitty can give ol Towser a run?

Go To Page: 1

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic