If cats are accustomed to spending time outside, they will usually practice natural hunting habits. This means they can make great rodent control around your home, garden or barn. Outdoor hunting cats, sometimes called "barn cats" or "mousecatchers," still need to be fed and loved. However, with a little push, they can quickly become rat-killing "ninjas."
Step
Part 1 of 3: Choosing a Cat
Step 1. Decide what kind of cat you want to keep
Outdoor cats are different from cats that occasionally leave the house. Most cats will practice hunting behavior when left outdoors. However, outdoor cats will get used to spending all or most of their time outdoors, and are also better able to take care of themselves than cats who stay indoors and occasionally go out. If you want a reliable mouse catcher, an outdoor cat like this is the best choice.
- Short-haired cats are best suited for rat traps because you don't have to worry about getting their fur tangled, getting dreadlocks, or getting caught in something.
- Female cats tend to be more consistent hunters than male cats.
Step 2. Get your cat
You can find a good potential rat catcher from a variety of sources that provide cats to pet. However, many animal shelters have street cats that make great outdoor cats or mouse catchers. Cats like this are also used to spending time and enjoy being outdoors. They are also not dependent on the constant existence of humans.
- Consider having more than one cat at a time. Cats love to have a friend who can accompany them to relax, clean up, and hunt.
- Kittens are not ready to hunt on their own right away. They are also vulnerable to predators such as owls and wolves. For this reason, it is best if you choose a cat that is already the size of a rabbit to be a mouse catcher.
Step 3. Get your cat checked by the vet
After selecting a potential rat catcher, take the cat to the vet for a health check. The vet will make sure the cat is in good health, as well as provide any vaccinations and other care that may be needed.
- Neutering cats will not prevent them from being effective hunters. However, this will reduce their tendency to wander around and help keep them in your neighborhood.
- Your vet may also insert a micro-sized chip into the cat's body for identification purposes.
Part 2 of 3: Training a Cat
Step 1. Make sure the cat's basic needs are available
Even if you spend time outdoors, rat catchers still need to provide shelter, as well as a regular supply of food and water. When they first bring them home, they also need to be provided with a litter box.
- You can use automatic feeding containers and water bowls that can be purchased at a pet store, or make sure you refill your cat's food and water yourself daily.
- The cat's shelter should be easily accessible, covered, dry, and protected from wind, cold and heat. The best options include a barn, barn, or cat cage.
- Make sure the cat has a place to sleep that is safe from distractions such as dogs, traffic, and children.
Step 2. Begin training the mouse catcher in his cage or box
When first brought home, the cat will feel pressured because he feels foreign to his environment. Put them in a large cage or enclosed area first to protect and prevent them from escaping. Place the crate near the shelter your cat will use as it gets used to its new environment so that the cat can associate the area as a home.
- Make sure the enclosed area is large enough for the cat to freely walk, stretch, and get some exercise. This area should also be protected from heat, cold, rain, etc.
- A local animal shelter may be able to lend you a cage or box.
- Check the cat regularly. Refill the water and food, also empty the litter box if necessary.
- Give your cat toys to keep him busy, and treats to keep him comfortable in his new home.
- Placing a towel or blanket in the enclosed area can also make the cat feel more comfortable. An old towel, blanket, or T-shirt you've worn will help your cat get used to your smell.
- Spend some time with your cat to get used to your presence and your voice. However, don't try to pet or pick him up if the cat looks frightened or aggressive. Eventually, the cat will start to trust you.
Step 3. Free the cat to roam
After about a week, your cat should be ready to roam on its own. Open the enclosed area where it is located and let the cat out on its own. The cat will probably disappear for a day or two to explore. Leave the cage or covered area as is, and keep food and water available. The mousecatcher is coming back to eat.
When your cat seems comfortable in their new environment, you can remove the crate and let them use the permanent shelter you've prepared
Step 4. Watch your cat catch mice
Cats will hunt, even if they are fed regularly because of their hunting instincts. You don't need to actually train it to hunt.
- Cats are opportunistic. Rats are easier to catch than other animals such as birds, and cats will sit and wait for mice to emerge from their burrows or other hiding places.
- Some cats will bring hunted mice to their owners as a "gift". While others will eat it or leave it somewhere.
Part 3 of 3: Taking Care of Cats
Step 1. Continue to make sure your cat's basic needs are met
Even if the cat is a full-fledged mousecatcher, it still needs to be provided with a regular supply of food and water. The idea that cats won't hunt if you feed them is a myth. Your cat's shelter should also be kept dry and comfortable. If the place is cold, put a blanket or straw in it.
Provide a regular supply of dry food. If you also feed him wet food at night, it will be taken to a place of shelter and away from predators such as wolves, wild dogs, and owls
Step 2. Spend time with your cat
Barn cats or rat-catchers may prefer to be alone than house cats. However, they will really appreciate your attention, be sure to keep petting and playing with them often.
Sometimes a cat that hunts outdoors will disappear for a day or two, wandering and exploring. Usually they will come back. If you haven't seen your cat for an extended period of time, you may need to look for them to make sure they're okay
Step 3. Get your cat checked by the vet
Rat catchers require regular health checks, vaccinations, and various other precautions. Rat catchers are also prone to injury, illness, or other risks because they spend most of their time outdoors. So, make sure you always keep an eye on it.
Your vet may recommend that your cat receive special care to prevent problems related to fleas, nits, worms, or other pests
Tips
Hunting cats that eat their prey should receive monthly deworming to prevent roundworms, and every three months to prevent tapeworms
Warning
- Cats can get toxoplasmosis, which in some cases comes from hunting and eating wild animals. Although most cats are immune to the disease, toxoplasmosis can be transmitted to humans through contact with cat feces or litter (as well as through unsafe handling of raw meat). Most humans have immunity to toxoplasmosis, but children and those with weak immunity need to be extra careful around cat litter.
- Pregnant women should not touch litter or cat litter because toxoplasmosis can cause birth defects.
