How to Get a Kitten to Hunt for Mice

Cats provide wonderful companionship but can also be incredibly useful creatures. A tried and true method for getting rid of mice, cats are natural born hunters. If you're hoping your new kitten will help rid your home of mice and aren't willing to leave it to chance. there are various ways you can encourage your kitten to become a cat mice fear. Mother cats will teach their kittens to hunt, given the opportunity, so kittens over the age of 12 weeks should already have had some introductory hunting lessons. With some time, patience and encouragement your kitten can become a top-notch mouser.

Things You'll Need

  • Realistic mouse toy
  • Cat toys
  • Cat treats
  • Mouse traps
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      As soon as you bring your kitten home, play with it frequently to encourage hunting behaviors. Purchase any toys that encourage your cat to chase and pounce, as these are the skills needed when catching mice. Balls with bells inside, which roll across the ground are great for teaching a kitten the movements involved in learning to hunt mice.

    • 2

      Purchase your cat a toy that looks like a mouse. The more realistic this toy is the better. Many cat-toy mice come with catnip, which further encourages and stimulates your cat to play with the mouse, thus encouraging hunting behavior to form. Drag this toy mouse across the ground in front of your cat, imitating the movements of a real mouse. This will help your kitten associate the movements of a real mouse with chasing and pouncing.

    • 3

      Mother cats will often bring back dead mice to their kittens to set an example, and later bring back partially dead mice for their kittens to finish off. If you already have mice in your home, you can replicate this by using any mice caught in a trap as a teaching toy. Present your cat with any dead, or partially dead mice (after removing them from the trap) to show them to intended outcome and allow your kitten to paw at it.

    • 4

      When you kitten does bring home their first mouse, be sure to praise and reward your cat. If you cat enjoys petting and affection give them a great deal of positive attention when they first bring the mouse home. Give them treats immediately following the catch to validate their work.