Despite protests from animal rights activists, the periodic extermination of rodents is a necessary measure that residents of rural areas and owners of country houses have to resort to. Small pests destroy crops and food supplies, and also carry many deadly infections.
Most often, poisons are used against them, but this method fights not the cause, but the effect. It is much safer to have a mustachioed hunter with you who will defend the territory entrusted to him. Below you can find out which cats catch mice and rats better than others, and whether gender affects the severity of the hunting instinct.
Do genes influence a cat's ability to catch rodents?
The hunting instinct is truly inherited. Kittens born to mousecatchers inherit their parents' tendency to chase and catch small animals. But direct skill, that is, the effectiveness of hunting, develops through practice.
Noticing the pattern of inheritance of traits, breeders secured it through careful selection of individuals for breeding the breed. Thanks to experiments, they managed to achieve the preservation of genes in all subsequent generations.
INTERESTING!
The severity of the hunting instinct depends not only on the breed, but also on the color. The worst hunters are completely white cats.
Recommendations
A hunting cat spends a lot of time outdoors, in contact with other animals, which increases the likelihood of infection and the development of diseases. To protect your pet from diseases, you need to remember the following rules:
- the cat must be periodically vaccinated against potential diseases;
- the pet needs to be fully fed and fortified with vitamin supplements, which will strengthen the immune system;
- every 5 months, clean your pet of worms for the purpose of prevention;
- the animal needs to buy a flea collar that prevents the spread of parasites;
- in early spring, before a walk, it is recommended to treat your pet’s fur with protective sprays, since in May the likelihood of insect attacks increases.
For preventative purposes, you can take your cat to the veterinarian for examination once every six months.
What cat breeds are best at catching rats and mice?
Ratcatcher cats are naturally formed (native) breeds with bushy whiskers and large ears. These organs allow you to detect not only quiet sounds, but also vibrations, which are convenient for navigating in the dark. Another important point is the presence of a variegated color, with the help of which the cunning “mustaches” blend into the terrain and successfully deceive rodents.
INTERESTING!
All decorative breeds are completely devoid of hunting instinct. If you have hamsters or chinchillas, then feel free to get an exotic or ragdoll.
Maine Coon
Thanks to its impressive size, the Maine Coon can overcome not only a miniature vole, but also a mole. This pet is good at any time of the year. With the arrival of winter, it is protected by a thick undercoat, and additional tufts of hair on its paws make it easier to glide on ice.
The period of maximum motor activity of Maine Coons occurs in the first 5 years. Due to their innate passion, they pursue a discovered goal until victory. If a fly flies into the house, then in the course of catching it, the furry giant can turn everything around into real ruins.
“ More about the Maine Coon breed
Russian blue
Refined and graceful, Russian Blues have the most advantageous colors for a night ambush, and also know how to move silently and quickly. When living in an apartment, they hunt for insects flying inside and birds looming outside the window. Because of their enthusiasm, these cats often fall out of the window, so for safety reasons, anti-cat guards must be installed in all rooms.
Russian Blues do not trust strangers and try to avoid being seen in large crowds. They show their love only to members of their household, but subject to personal boundaries. Russian Blues do not like cuddling. Periodic exceptions are possible only in relation to children.
“ More about the Russian Blue breed
Siberian
With this fluffy rat catcher you can forget about the pest invasion forever. His skills are as good as those of a Maine Coon. The appearance is also similar. The “Siberian” also has a powerful body, muscular limbs, dense undercoat and tufts of wool on the paw pads.
“Siberians” are distinguished from Maine Coons by their character. They are much more playful and active. Because of their love for an active lifestyle, they require regular physical activity. If you have a fenced area, be sure to let your pet run around in the yard without a harness.
“ More about the Siberian cat breed
Kurilian Bobtail
Kurilian Bobtails are jacks of all trades, that is, masters of all trades. They are good not only at hunting small game, but also at fishing.
The activity of these cats depends on where they live. When free-ranging, they can spend hours tracking prey, fighting for territory with local animals, and exploring with interest all the hidden corners of nearby buildings.
By nature, Kuril Bobtails resemble dogs. They become very attached to their owners, love attention and are very enthusiastic about bringing a ball thrown to them.
An equally unique feature of these pets is fearlessness. To protect their family, they can enter into an unequal battle with a dog or other formidable opponent.
“ More about the Kurilian Bobtail breed
Cymric
Due to its compact body format, round muzzle, lack of tail and long coat, the Cymric is often called the “little bear.” When exterminating small pests, it uses its dexterous and mobile paws with tenacious claws. It is also helped by its longer hind limbs, which allow it to move by jumping like a rabbit.
Cymriks are not aggressive towards children and get along easily with other animals, including dogs. Despite their strong attachment to humans, representatives of this breed are famous for their autonomy and independence. Thanks to these qualities, they can be safely left alone while working.
British
Large “British” dogs look as aristocratic and noble as possible, so not everyone can imagine them in the role of a hunter. In fact, these plush “cheeks” even managed to leave their mark on history. Their ancestors were used by Roman legionnaires who arrived in the British Isles with the aim of seizing new territory. During the voyage, the cats taken on board the ship protected the holds with provisions from ship rats.
Modern “British” people are good-natured and unpretentious companions who love to lie on the sofa. Lying on the owner's lap is also acceptable, but provided that the pet itself was the initiator.
Despite the image of a lazy bumpkin, the “British” will never let a mouse sneak into the house. At the sight of prey, he immediately transforms into a wild beast, losing his usual restraint and sedateness.
“ More about the British Shorthair and British Longhair breeds
European Shorthair (Celtic)
European shorthairs can easily be confused with ordinary yard “murks”. Their main distinguishing feature is developed hunting skills, laid down from birth. If the European Shorthair shows indifference to the teaser rod and the birds outside the window, then the seller has cruelly deceived you and slipped you an ordinary mixed breed.
Representatives of this breed are quite modest and affectionate. They quickly become attached to their owner, but when showing feelings they behave too restrained. For this reason, the initiative should be taken independently, because otherwise the pet may decide that it is not loved.
Siamese
In hunting, “Siamese” are helped by long mustaches, large ears and a flexible body with developed muscles. Due to their peculiar coloration, it is easier for them to blend into the terrain at night, but this does not affect their skills in any way, so hunting during the day is also possible.
If you dream of an easy-going and quiet companion, then it’s better to take a “British”. Siamese cats are very capricious and demanding animals who love to chat. They use different tones and pitches to express their feelings, so with regular practice you can easily grasp the essence of the conversation and requests of your pet. The same thing applies in the opposite direction.
“ More about the Siamese cat breed
Nibelung
If budgies or aquarium fish live in your house, then it is better to refuse to buy a Nibelung. Unlike the “British”, he does not divide small animals into “us” and “strangers”. Because of this, not only an impudent wild rat, but also your favorite guppies or barbs can become prey for this handsome fluffy creature.
The Nibelung is a one-owner pet. The lucky one is easy to determine by the cat's behavior. If a Nibelung constantly pursues you and curls up on your lap on its own, then you can rest assured of its favor.
A busy work schedule is not suitable for keeping such a loving animal. If the owners are absent for a long time, you should get a playmate for your mustachioed pet.
Abyssinian
Strong and flexible, the Abyssinian is able to jump a distance of 6 times its body length. The cat's unusually long legs and developed muscle corset help in this.
INTERESTING!
The breed is named after its supposed homeland - Abyssinia, that is, present-day Ethiopia.
Despite their wild appearance, Abyssinians are balanced and intelligent pets who love children. They do not release their claws during joint games and are very patient with pranks on the part of their little owners.
The favorite pastime of these miniature cougars is patrolling. They detect all suspicious movements with their large ears, leaving no chance of slipping into the territory unnoticed.
“ More about the Abyssinian cat breed
Bengal
These domestic leopards were obtained by hybridization with wild Bengal cats, from which they acquired a passion for hunting and a love of water. All “Bengals” calmly tolerate water procedures and even dive into the bath on their own if they want to play around and frolic.
The friendliness of spotted pets varies by generation. The first 3 are the wildest and most unsociable. They are used for breeding and are categorically not recommended for families with children. Such animals will without hesitation rip a child for hugging too hard or accidentally stepping on a paw.
“ More about the Bengal cat breed
Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora is the most unique representative of all the rat-catchers listed above. Its main feature is its snow-white color. All other color options provided by the standard are less common.
The main disadvantage of white is visibility. However, the birthplace of the Turkish Angora is Türkiye. This country has a lot of sand, and on the beaches its color is close to semolina. Only those with a snow-white or cream coat can hide against such a background.
Turkish Angoras love to ambush and hunt for toys scattered around the house. They also learn fetch very quickly and love to splash in the water, which makes water procedures much easier.
General features of rat catchers
The rat catcher is not a separate breed of cat, it is the valuable quality of the animal, the sharpness of its hunting instinct. According to felinologists (specialists in breeding cats), rat-catching cats can be identified by the following characteristics:
- muscular body, powerful jaws, strong legs;
- head shape - there is a relationship between the genes responsible for the instincts of hunters and the genes that determine the configuration of the skull of cats: rat-catching abilities are observed in animals with a triangular head (oriental type of cats);
- lush mustache and high ears with tassels at the ends: they allow animals to detect possible rustles, and this is very important for a successful hunt.
Ratcatcher cats usually have large ears that can detect the smallest noises.
Some rat hunters may be affectionate in nature, while others may be unsociable. There are animals that want to please their owner and often catch rats to show him their love. And there are cats that avoid people and do not welcome affection, but this is also quite normal.
Who is better to choose - a cat or a female cat?
If you have a garden, then it is better to take a cat, not a cat, to catch rats. Females have a more pronounced instinct due to the need to protect and feed their offspring. They hunt to provide food for the kittens, and subsequently teach this skill to their babies.
Males are less agile, but more versatile. It is recommended to take them to a private home, where crop protection is not a priority. Thanks to their developed territorial instinct, they will protect your property not only from rodents, but also from other uninvited guests: neighbor cats, dogs and even raccoons.
IMPORTANT!
Do not leave your pet outside unattended if there are wild foxes or jackals nearby. They can attack your cat and drag you away as prey.
History of Pied Pipers
The domestication of cats occurred in Egypt approximately 9 thousand years BC. e. In those days, the grain harvested from the fields was eaten by mice and rats. People saw how cats hunted them and began to lure and tame the nimble hunters. Since then, these animals have taken their place next to people, ridding them of rodents. For such merits, cats were called sacred animals, protecting food supplies and saving people from hunger. Since ancient times, cats have been given special honors, and high fines were imposed for killing them. The cost of a clever rat-catcher cat was equal to the cost of an ox.
Agile rat-catching cats in the old days were worth as much as an ox
There is a legend that says that during the global flood, rodents appeared on Noah’s Ark, dangerous to the inhabitants. Then cats were born from the lions, destroying all the rodents and saving the animals on the ship from them.
Cats conscientiously performed their duties in peasant homes, in monasteries, and at the royal court. Peter I ordered the adoption of cats to protect barns from the invasion of mice and rats. By order of Elizabeth, his daughter, 30 rat-catcher cats were brought to the Winter Palace from Kazan, the city where the most dexterous rat-catchers were believed to live. During the reign of Catherine II, cats appeared in the Hermitage to protect works of art from rodents.
During the siege of Leningrad, cats saved residents and the city itself 2 times. When, in the first years of the siege, all the animals were eaten due to hunger, many rodents appeared in the city, and the Winter Palace was simply swarming with them. To combat dangerous rodents, 5 thousand smoky cats were brought from Yaroslavl to Leningrad in April 1943, then a train of Siberian cats arrived, and soon rodents disappeared from the city.
Cats still regularly serve in the Hermitage, protecting the country’s cultural heritage from rodents and forming an integral part of museum life; they are its unique symbol. Museum employees say that throwing cats out into the street is like throwing a painting by an outstanding artist from the 10th floor.
Cats in the Hermitage protect the country's cultural heritage from rodents
Is it true that castrated animals hunt worse?
Castration changes natural hormonal levels. Along with the loss of reproductive function, the animal is deprived of its usual activity. Metabolism slows down, and eating the usual amounts of food leads to sudden weight gain and obesity.
Along with extra pounds comes laziness and passivity. It becomes very difficult for a fat cat to move, so along with the love of games, the passion for hunting fades away.
Thus, castration does affect the hunting instinct, but not directly, but through excess weight. As long as you maintain your original fitness level, monitor your daily calorie intake, and encourage physical activity, your ability to hunt rodents will continue.
Nutrition question
An animal that regularly hunts mice needs to be properly fed. The physical condition, strength, and endurance of the pet depend on the nutritional characteristics. Domestic cats rarely eat prey; more often they simply strangle the mouse. Only a street or hungry cat can eat a rodent.
The animal can be fed natural food or industrial feed. The main thing is that the pet eats suitable and healthy food that suppresses hunger, saturates the body with vitamins and minerals, and strengthens the animal’s immune system.
ON A NOTE! Most domestic cats catch mice for fun, but do not eat rodents.
Is it possible to teach an animal to hunt rodents?
The kittens are taught hunting skills by their mother, but in her absence the owner has to do this. Animals living outside hone their skills not only on rodents, but also on insects. At home, they can be replaced with special toys: teasing fishing rods, jingling balls, a laser pointer and wind-up mice.
IMPORTANT!
Do not starve your pet to awaken its predatory instincts. It will not spur him on to hunt, but will simply deprive him of his strength.
It is almost impossible to achieve results as an adult, so games with catching moving objects should be introduced in childhood, before 4 months. Be sure to give your pet the opportunity to take possession of the toy and praise him for catching the prey. Thanks to regular training, he will be able to hunt on par with those who were trained by his mother, but with one difference - the absence of the desire to kill and eat caught prey.
The importance of a pet's appearance
Success in catching rodents depends on the conditions in which the kitten grew up and the appearance of the animal. Color plays a significant role, serving as natural camouflage. The most preferred are discreet fur coat colors: gray, black, brown. A cat with a motley or tortoiseshell color will blend into the surrounding landscape. The second significant point is the length of the coat. When wet, the long fur acquires a specific odor, which serves as a signal for rodents that a predator is approaching. Therefore, short-haired cats find it easier to hunt in the rain.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW! When choosing a ratcatcher kitten, you need to pay attention to the whiskers . Thanks to the vibrissae, the pet navigates in the dark, picks up air vibrations, and estimates the distance to the mouse.
Why does a cat bring prey to its owner?
Many cats bring their trophies to their owner, sometimes even to bed. There is no point in scolding them for this - this is how they express their love and affection. A corpse found on a pillow is not the most pleasant picture, but the pet that brought you the trophy still needs to be praised and rewarded. A negative reaction or lack thereof can discourage hunting.
Regardless of the breed of rat catcher you choose, be sure to vaccinate it against rabies. This will protect it from death if infected.
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Ratcatcher cats for rent: where to find, cost
Buying a real rat catcher is quite difficult: you can be deceived for a lot of money. However, in some cities it is possible to rent a cat. You should know that ratcatcher cats are available for rent from breeders, many specialized nurseries, and animal and pet supply stores. After the rats are killed, the animal is returned.
For a cat, being in a new place with unfamiliar people can be stressful, so you cannot be sure that in such an environment he will catch rodents.
You can rent a ratcatcher cat
For this purpose, you can find a rat-catcher cat via the Internet, using message boards, for example, the site for finding part-time jobs YouDo, or specialized forums. There is no fixed price for such services; sometimes it is set depending on the cost of the cat itself. Typically, the price of such a service varies from 500 to 3 thousand rubles.
Forum participants generally have a negative attitude towards giving their animal to catch rats, since no one wants to create a stressful environment for the cat, and besides, this can be dangerous: the rats may already be poisoned.
Maine Coon
The history of the breed is shrouded in legends and mysteries. It is generally accepted that the first Maine Coons originated in Maine (USA), where aboriginal cats adapted to the climate of the area. Distant relatives of the breed were taken on ships, where the cats caught rodents and saved provisions. Maine Coons escaped extinction only because they had excellent hunting skills. Many farmers gave their preference to them.
American Maine Coons are considered the largest cat breed in the world. They are perfect for the role of a rat-catcher cat. Despite the fact that since the mid-twentieth century they began to be used as companions, the breed still retains its active hunting instinct. Now Maine Coons are the most popular breed in the world.
Character and behavior of lop-eared animals
The Scotsman is a purebred cat that is distinguished by its kind disposition. Distinctive behavioral traits:
- communication skills and sociability;
- love for children;
- gaiety;
- easy to educate with the right and friendly approach;
- actually cannot be trained;
- playful;
- not mischievous;
- they quickly forget bad things and do not take revenge.
Scottish Folds are an ideal option when there are other animals and children in the house. Such kittens are real aristocrats with their mannerisms and waywardness. Their restiveness and capriciousness are often observed. If the Scots want something, they will definitely achieve it. An adventurous breed with a curiosity for the unknown. When new people appear on their territory, Scottish cats are not very friendly, but then they begin to communicate. Scots love to play, but are not particularly happy with cuddling and cuddling.
Maine Coon - the terror of all rats
The Maine Coon cat is a strong and agile breed that is resistant to various conditions, so it can live in areas with harsh climates. The cat is stately and large (the male grows up to 15 kg), has a predatory disposition and does not like affection from humans. Due to its size, it easily copes with rodents, so most often it is used by farmers whose farms are threatened by rats and mice. Maine Coons were originally developed as “working cats.”
The true king of the Maine Coon has a long and dense coat of predominantly dark shades (the photo shows the 3 most common colors), well-developed muscles, strong bones and a wide chest. A distinctive feature of the breed is its peculiar, erect, large ears with tassels. The tail is long and thick with flowing hair. All this makes the cat a threat to all rats and mice.
How to raise a hunter
Even breeds in which the hunting instinct is very pronounced, or with heredity conducive to this, will not necessarily become excellent hunters without the proper conditions and education
To help develop it, we recommend paying attention to the following techniques:
Encouragement always plays into the hands of teachers. Praise your pet when he catches prey (but not, of course, if his prey was one of your other pets); One might assume that if an animal has nothing to eat, it will inevitably become a hunter, but this is not so. If you start starving your cat, most likely he will start stealing and searching garbage dumps, but will not join in the hunt. Feed your pet often, but in small portions. The bowl should not be kept full all the time; Games are a good stimulant
By playing, you will help the kitten develop the hunting instinct, but you should not get too carried away with this, because by fully satisfying the need for hunting with fun, you can discourage the cat from switching his attention to mice and other pests. As one of the options for developing the hunting instinct, you can use a live mouse, which you yourself will give to the kitten
You can pick it up only after the pet has played with it and strangled it.
Little hunter
The optimal age at which you can take a kitten from its mother is four to five months. By this time, your pet can already learn the basics of hunting science from its parent. Also, the future hunter needs to be constantly vaccinated, including against rabies, treat the fur with sprays, buy a flea collar and periodically treat for worms, since as a result of hunting your pet may become prey to various parasites.
