How Do Cats Hunt? 3 Strategies They Use

If you own a cat, then you have probably seen its eyes waver right and left when it has caught sight of a bird outside. Moreover, you probably notice that they have wavering eyes for anything that moves around in front of them. But why is this? Why do cats do this? This is their hunting instinct kicking in.

How do cats hunt, and what type of strategies and techniques do they use to acquire their prey when they are hungry?

We will answer those questions and come up with some answers. Then, we will talk about why cats play with their prey. You will also learn some proper methods to prevent your cats from hunting prey so that you don’t gain a special gift from your furry friend.

1. How and When Do Cats Learn To Hunt?

Cats will always have their hunting instinct, even when they are happily fed house cats. They cannot resist the urge to hunt, especially when they see some of their natural prey.

Their hunting instinct starts at a very early age. Moreover, cats will start thinking about catching prey when they are still kittens. Their hunting training starts when they are six to seven weeks old. Initially, their mother cats will teach them certain methods, which include trilling and various other sounds, to illustrate the items they bring to the den where they care for their kittens.

When a kitten is four weeks old, their mother begins to bring small items to the den to show their young several examples of what prey may look like. From this point, kittens begin to learn how to pounce and claw at the small items. They learn this behavior, and once they grow older, they soon learn to hunt these small animals and then bring them back to the den, just as their mother did. So, how do cats hunt? The answer is simple: they replicate the behaviors their mothers taught them.

Once they have learned this behavior, cats will gradually start hunting on their own. Then, they will alter their methods based on the various successes or failures of their hunt. They will learn to hunt birds, mice, and any other animal they can catch.

2. The Stalk and Pounce

Cats will often spend minutes, sometimes longer, to stalk their prey. They will look at the direction of their intended prey and formulate a strategy.

There are three main methods that cats use to hunt. Ultimately, the first main method is the stalking method. It is called the stalk and pounce. Usually, this entails watching an animal for a certain amount of time. Cats sometimes will study their potential prey for as long as several hours. Significantly, their eyes will lock in on their potential target and study the patterns.

Cats will then attempt to understand any weakness in the patterns. Then, they will crouch as close to the ground as they possibly can. From this point on, cats will slowly creep toward their intended prey. Cats will often stop during their slow creep, mainly to stay completely quiet. Then, they will continue their trek toward their intended prey.

Cats will use this method to get as close to their prey as possible. Finally, they will seize the right opportunity to pounce on their prey. This method is incredibly effective in catching unsuspecting birds of mice that do not hear their predators coming.

3. The Ambush

After stalking their prey, cats may attempt to ambush them. This way, they are able to get a quick kill and a fast meal.

How do cats hunt when they want to use a different method other than the stalk-and-pounce method? They have the ambush method. Overall, it is similar to the stalk-and-prey tactic. Cats will ambush their potential prey when they feel there is a prime opportunity.

Cats will ambush their prey and then seize it by the back of the neck. Furthermore, they will clamp down on a bird or a mouse with their paws and bite into it to ensure success. It is a very similar hunting method to older members of the cat family, such as lions and tigers.

4. Fishing

Fishing is another hunting method for cats, and it involves getting near water, which cats hate, to catch some fish.

While it has been documented that cats hate water and cannot stand it, there are circumstances where they tolerate it for food. Furthermore, they will enter the water to try and catch fish. They mainly do not like getting wet. Regardless, if there is a chance to catch fish, cats will take it. How do cats hunt fish?

Some cats will wait at the edge of a pond for hours until they see a fish. Then, they will use their paws as a “fishing rod” to catch the fish. Once they have secured the fish, they will secure it with their mouths and bring it back up through the water.

5. Why Do Cats Toy With Their Prey?

It is not surprising to see cats play with their prey before consuming it. Cats even hunt for sport sometimes.

You have probably noticed cats like playing with their prey. But why do cats play with their prey? Ultimately, they do this to prevent injury to themselves. Cats will bring birds or mice back to their home environment and then wear them out before finally consuming them.

Cats also will bring their human owners back the prey they have caught because it has been ingrained in them from birth. Moreover, it is how their mother cats taught them how to hunt. They will associate their human owners as part of their family. Therefore, cats bring back prey to their humans as a sign of sharing with their owners.

6. How to Prevent Your Cats from Hunting

Redirecting your cat can help tame their instincts to hunt other prey as well as keep them inside at all times.

There are several methods to prevent your cats from hunting. First, it is critical to redirect your cat’s hunting instincts with playful tactics. Play is good for your cat as it stimulates them and also satisfies any desire they have to hunt. Ultimately, you can do this by buying them some play toys that simulate their prey. Feather teasers, or any toys that can move, are the best options for them.

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds highlighted that playing with your cats and getting them a bell on their collar helps prevent them from hunting wildlife. Yes, cats will still try to hunt even if they are well-fed, according to the National Park Service. But you can still limit their hunting instincts by feeding them well. Lastly, if you want to limit your cat’s hunting instincts, keep them inside the house during their normal hunting times, which is usually dawn or dusk.

Another creative way to allow your cats to get their hunting instincts out of the way is to hide food throughout the house and let them catch it. Therefore, it gives your cat a challenge and a goal to complete. It also distracts them from wanting to go outside to hunt live prey. Overall, cats will always have the instinct to hunt. It is up to you to do your best to tame their instincts and give your cat the best care.