Spring time is definitely here!
The cats have been more active and full of mischief as the weather warms. Rascal especially, has been more spastic than I’ve seen him all winter. He runs around the house in the evenings like a maniac, knocking things over and pouncing on his toys. I am used to his antics, but he has begun a new habit that I am not at all okay with!
Wild Cat in the House
He has been bringing live mice into my house! In the past few weeks he brought in two mice and a California Vole! He’ll carry one in in his mouth, drop it at my feet, and then the little creature immediately runs away and hides under the nearest furniture! Thanks for the thought, Rascal, but I REALLY don’t want live mice or other rodents in the house!
The first time he did it, I was in my robe and slippers, ready to relax with a good book and a glass of wine. The mouse ran over my foot and I was afraid in would try to hide inside my slipper, so I screamed, jumped, and one slipper went flying through the air in an instant! My husband was no help at all, as he just laughed at me!
The mouse ran under the couch, but, once my husband’s hysteria was over, he lifted the couch and I had to shoo the frightened little thing out the glass door behind it. I expected the cats and/or Max, to chase it, but as soon as it was out of sight, they lost interest. Thanks a lot guys! Way to protect our home!
The next two critters, I threw something over it, a bucket for one, Max’s dog bed for the last, and tossed it outside. I am praying Rascal doesn’t bring anything in without us knowing! Last summer he brought a live lizard in and it ran under the refrigerator. It took a few days for it to come out where we could catch it. I’d rather lizards than rodents, though. Lizards don’t want to make our home theirs or eat our food.
He thinks he’s a wild hunter.
Probably believes he looks more like this guy,
Than this –
So far we’ve been able to catch each one and get them out. I know rodents are part of mountain living, but I much prefer the wild life to stay out doors! I don’t want to close up the dog door and keep Max from being able to go in and out, but I’m not sure what else I can do to stop this madness.
My master flips out when I do this. He’s not happy to know I reply to posts here either.
Try googling “radiopetlady”, she’s brilliant about animal behavior & I’m sure she’d love the story. Capturing with the bowl is great idea.
We’re not able to lend much help. Gracie and Ava will chase flies and moths that get into the house, but we usually shoo those flying critters out before they actually meet their demise. Thanks for hosting, as always. And big hugs and headbonks to you all!
Moths are such fun to chase! They usually do meet their demise if they close to a cat over here.
My cat loves bringing things in to have me congratulate him on how awesome a hunter he is:) He also likes to play with them, let them run, then catch them again. I say he’s slightly sadistic, let the poor creature think its got its freedom, only to have it ripped away😼 And don’t get me started on the lizards, I think we have a colony of tailless lizards living in the house😂 I remember one time, I was napping in my bed, which is why I missed my cat’s special trill letting me know he was bringing me a gift. The next thing I know he’s dropped a live mouse in bed with me!!! I’m jumping around and my cat is sitting there looking all puzzled. I finally had him catch the mouse again and then ran him downstairs and outside again
We wish we could get outside and cause some trouble. Instead, we’re stuck inside hunting spiders.
Mudpie is definitely feeling the spring fever…but thankfully no other little critters have been involved!
Goodness, that is some great hunting, ya done good! Thanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
Oh love it! Such an adorable kitty ~ wild eh? ^_^
Happy Days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Amarula brings me “gifts” sometimes! I wish she wouldn’t!!
He’s just trying to teach you how to hunt! Maybe he doesn’t think much of what you humans are eating. There isn’t much you can do about it as long as he goes in and out. Even inside, I managed to find a couple rodents for my human to catch and remove (she had to drive them far away so they wouldn’t return – not an option for where you guys live, since they’re native!).
I’ve had cats bring me dead rodents, but live ones?! Sigh. Perhaps you’re right, he’s showing his preference for fresh caught food.
Hilarious, but I also sympathize! Been there and wasn’t too happy about the cat of the moment leaving mouse bits for me to step on as I got outta bed! Ewww
I’ve dealt with dead gifts or just pieces like you, but the live animals have got to go! lol
He’s whatever he wants to be. Cats are wired that way. He’s sure a handsome mancat.
Have a purrfect day. My best to your peeps. ♥