Which cats are better at catching mice and rats?

Siberian cats differ from Maine Coons in character. They are much more playful and mobile. Because of their love of an active lifestyle, they need regular physical activity. If you have a fenced area, be sure to let your pet run around in the yard without a harness.

Three cats that won't stand a chance against rodents in your home.

Representatives of this breed began to appear en masse in European families in the early nineteenth century. And since then, one skill has been firmly included in the list of unique characteristics of Persians – amazing dexterity and sophistication in catching mice.

Persian cats and cats are endowed with high intelligence. But at the same time they are quite lazy and woolly. Of course, they prefer to lie on a soft cushion, pleasing their owners. But if the "cat's radar" cat detects a squeak of a mouse or the sound of a rat's claws, the animal immediately activates and mobilizes.

It is noteworthy that female Persians do best at catching rodents.

Japanese Bobtail

Despite the fact that the name of this breed contains the word "Japanese", it would be a mistake to classify these cats as natives of the Land of the Rising Sun. As a matter of fact, the Japanese Bobtail originally inhabited the vast expanses of Korea.

The locals cultivated this breed, giving the world more and more hunters and rodent catchers.

Japanese Bobtails were in great demand in Korean factories, whose workshops were attacked by mice and rats.

Today's cat breeders dearest to the Japanese Bobtails. And not so much for the fact that it excels at catching mice, but for its friendliness, intelligence and amusing love of water procedures.

Features

Rat cats differ from their brethren in a number of ways. Obviously, the main one is a pronounced hunting instinct. However, in addition to this characteristic, there are a number of other features that need to be taken into account.

• For example, scientists, veterinarians, as well as breeders point out the fact that there is a well-defined gender difference in cats with regard to the manifestation of the hunting instinct. Cats are considered to be more effective rat catchers than cats. The reason is that females are by nature aware of the fact that they have to feed not only themselves but also their offspring, so they are more active and conscious in terms of catching food.
• Also, those cats that catch mice and rats differ from their fellows in the shape and structure of their heads.. It is believed that animals with a skull that is close to a triangular shape are more capable of hunting than others.
• The presence of high ears with tassels and puffy whiskers is another sign of a rat-eater. Such an anatomical structure ensures high sensitivity: hairs react to any, even the slightest, fluctuations of air.
• Bright and variegated coloration can also indicate that cats are hunters. Such coloring plays the role of a kind of camouflage and helps the animal to catch rodents.

It should be taken into account that the more traits described above, you observe in a particular individual, the better it will cope with catching rats and mice.

The best breeds

Obviously, not all cat breeds fit the hunting description above. In addition, rarely any breed includes all traits without exception. At the same time, there are certain varieties of four-legged furry pets that cope with the capture of rodents better than others. Let's take a look at the main ones.

Maine Coon .

The breeding of such a breed is largely due to the presence of the animals' hunting skills and abilities. Originally, they served as a kind of hunters, guarding warehouses with grain from unwanted attacks of rodents.

Representatives of the Maine Coon breed have a high level of mobility. In addition, they are resistant to external environmental conditions, so they can hunt for rodents in any weather. They have a certain excitement: when they see a mouse, they will watch it for a long time and hunt it down until they catch it.

Another important characteristic of the breed is the fact that its members are quite impressive in size. Due to this, they can catch even large rats.

Russian Blue

The cats of smoky color have an undoubted advantage – they are able to move smoothly, but at the same time quickly and silently, so they catch their prey unawares. Russian blue cat breed is a classical example of the cat cat catcher. It is said not only by scientists and theorists, but also by experienced breeders.

Siberian

If we characterize the process of catching rodents by Siberian breed cats, first of all we should mention 2 terms: quickly and quietly. The peculiarities of anatomical structure of the animal help in the process of catching, namely the presence of down and hair on the paw pads which isolate sound during movement of the fluffy pet.

Representatives of the Siberian breed show great excitement in catching rodents, as well as little attachment to the owner. That is why you will more often find the animal hunting than lying in your arms.

The Kuril Bobtail

The homeland of bobtails is the Kuril Islands. By the way, the Kurils are only slightly inferior in size to the Maine Coons, the weight of the adult cat is up to 10 kilograms, and the cat – up to 6 kilograms. This is a fearless fighting machine. The genes of ancestors, who lived in the harsh environment of the Kurils, help bobtails easily cope even with such a difficult, strong and clever opponent as a rat. Mice, that's just a little warm-up. Smoky Bobtails have an easy, friendly nature, they get along well with people, not only with their own, and can be trained. Many people breed these cats as companions, chicken bobtails are friendly with all family members.

These pets, though much smaller than the Maine Coon and the Chicken Bobtails, have other qualities that allow them to rank as good hunters. Siamese cats have excellent reaction, well-developed muscles, they are agile and fast, which allows them to catch small rodents. But, because of their small size, Siamese cats can not cope with rats.

Siberian cat.

In general, too, not the smallest representative of the feline family. Siberian cats belong to the aboriginal breeds. This breed was formed back in the 16th century, when the development of Siberia took place. Severe Siberian winter is responsible for the fact that these cats formed a thick, long coat. Siberians have a strong, well-developed body, sharp claws, excellent reaction and an enviable patience. They can spend hours stalking their prey to grab it instantly. Exactly about them they say "cat that walks by itself". Siberian cats are very independent, autonomous and can fight back even to dogs.

Somewhat unexpectedly, but intelligent Russian blue is also not squeamish about hunting. She has a well-developed hunting instinct, a flexible, muscular body, and, as usual with the mousetraps – an excellent reaction. The Russian blue cat easily hunts not only mice, but also small rats. History confirms that Russian blue cats do not eat their food for nothing. These cats exactly as rat-catchers were kept at their court by Peter I and Catherine II.

Popular breeds of rat-catchers

As already mentioned, in the matter of selecting an animal for catching rodents, the breed is not of the last importance. There are a number of representatives of the feline family, which are endowed with a strong hunter gene. If we consider the purely physical data, they will differ in the above features.

Russian Blue

One of the most striking representatives. The Russian Blue is not one of those who will sit for hours in an ambush and watch their prey. It attacks quickly and swiftly, almost always catching its target.

Do not be deceived by their gentle and gentle nature. Representatives of this breed are really gentle to their owners, can run after them around the house, tolerate and even play with children. All this is a manifestation of their aristocratic nature. They really are very affectionate and sociable, and love to make new acquaintances. However, the animal is very willful. It will not allow itself to be petted, if it does not want to.

Russian blue has a good upbringing. Rarely will a cat scratch the furniture and wallpaper, or disrupt flowers. Representatives of this breed have good memory. Having learned to hunt once, they will do it all the time.

The Siberian Rat Cat

The Siberian breed rat cat can reach a weight of 9 kg. Females grow up to 6-7 kg. The breed is really literally designed for the destruction of large pests.

Siberian cats have strong health, well-developed muscles, powerful paws and elongated neck. Their thick long hair has a dark, striped color. This is one of the few long-haired representatives, which are excellent hunters.

Siberian cats easily and quickly catch up with their prey, and long claws do not allow it to escape. They are very patient and can spend hours stalking their prey, waiting for the best moment.

With people, they prefer to keep a distance. They are not as trusting and attached to humans as other breeds. Siberian cats easily get used to any change of environment, so even if the pet is moved to a private home, it will quickly get used to it.

How to choose a rat catcher

Every cat has hunting instincts regardless of its origin and breed, but these instincts are expressed differently in representatives of the felines. The upbringing and place of a kitten during the first months after birth are of great importance.

Cats raised in the streets, which have access to live prey, are considered the best rat catchers. But even purebred animals living outside the city for a long time are capable of hunting rodents.

To choose the right rat catcher, you need to focus on the cat itself, not on the breed. You should also pay attention to the following points:

it is better to take a kitten born in the street or living in a private home, preference should be given to the above breeds of cats with hunting skills;

A cat with access to live prey makes an excellent rat catcher

The cat's tricolor serves as a camouflage when hunting rats

Video: future rat-catcher with first prey

I have not had the need to have a cat rat cat, but my friend in a private house lived smoky colored kitty, which has an amazing ability to instantly catch rodents – from mice to rats. She was small with a sturdy build. I don't know who were her parents, as the cat was taken from the street, but she obviously had a Persian or British ancestry. At the workplace where I worked, there also lived a gray cat Sonya. Her name suited her, she slept a lot, but it did not prevent her to be an excellent hunter, if only appeared on the horizon of any rodent. Sonja used to visit us from a neighboring business, and thanks to her, rats and mice disappeared.

Rat cats for hire: where to find them, cost

It is quite difficult to buy a real rat catcher: it is possible to cheat for a lot of money. However, in some cities it is possible to rent a cat. You should know that rat-catchers are rented by breeders, many specialized catteries, animal and pet stores. After exterminating the rats, the animal is brought back.

For a cat, staying in a new place with strangers can be stressful, so you can't be sure that it will catch rodents in such an environment.

To this end, you can find a cat-catcher through the Internet, using message boards, such as the site to find a part-time YouDo, or specialized forums. There is no fixed price for such services, sometimes it is set depending on the cost of the cat. Usually the price of such services varies from 500 to 3 thousand rubles.

The participants of the forums are generally negative about giving their animals to catch rats, because nobody wants to create a stressful environment for the cat, besides, it can be dangerous: rats can already be poisoned.

Owners' opinions about renting cats to catch rats

I have a mink terrier, even if it was a rat-cat cool – no way. And if the rat is already poisoned? Yes, and he himself has rat poison. And no normal owner would give it… Call the sanitary station.

Lorda

https://www.e1.ru/talk/forum/read.php?f=74&i=680143&t=680143&page=0

If a cat eats a poisoned mouse, he will die. Before calling an assistant, you need to remove the poison everywhere and wash everything, wait a few days and then let the animal in. But I advise to look for a cat, but not a cat, – they are better to cope with such a task, and even better – bring your own, then forever get rid of such a problem, but, of course, not only for the sake of this, but if the soul will ask)…

Can I teach my pet to hunt rodents?

Hunting skills of kittens are taught by the mother, but in her absence the owner has to do it. Animals living on the street hone their skills not only on rodents, but also on insects. At home they can be replaced by special toys: fishing rods, jingle balls, laser pointers and clock mice.

Don't starve your pet to awaken his predatory instincts. It won't encourage him to hunt, it will just rob him of his energy.

It is almost unrealistic to achieve results as an adult, so games with catching moving objects should be introduced as early as 4 months of age. Be sure to give your pet the opportunity to take possession of the toy and praise him for catching the prey. With regular training, he will be able to hunt on par with those trained by his mother, but with one difference – the lack of desire to kill and eat the caught prey.

Why the cat brings the prey to the owner

Many cats bring their trophies to the owner, sometimes even to the bed. You should not scold them for this – this way they express their love and affection. A dead body on the pillow is not a very pleasant sight, but the pet that brought you a trophy should be praised and rewarded all the same. A negative reaction, or lack thereof, may discourage hunting.

Regardless of the breed of rat cat you choose, be sure to get him vaccinated against rabies. This will protect it from being killed if it becomes infected.

Which cats catch mice and rats heredity and upbringing

Consider which cats are better at catching mice. First of all, the success of the hunt depends on the color of the pet. If the color of the animal is black, gray, red, there are dim spots or stripes, then it will be much more comfortable to hunt, it is easier to merge with nature.

House cats catch mice because of the hunter instinct, developed in them since childhood. All harmless pet play with "teasing" is actually the pet's preparation for stalking and preying on its prey.

Stray yard animals are just like domestic animals, following their instincts. Hunting is a direct source of food and a way for them to survive.

There is an opinion that neutered cats are worse at catching mice and rats. The pet's behavior after neutering can change dramatically. This leads many villagers to wonder whether a neutered cat will still be as good at catching rodents, or whether it will sleep lazily all day long.

Hypothetically, the hunting instinct should not be lost in rat-catchers' pets. In reality, however, this is not the case. A rat cat with an improper diet will quickly gain weight, which causes laziness, apathy, and leads to a slower metabolism. It will be very difficult for the pet to hunt, so he may stop exterminating rodents. Feed the rat cat properly after spaying.

It is believed that the difference between mongrel and purebred animals lies not only in appearance, but also in the complete absence of hunting instincts in the latter.

Owners of domestic cats think that only yard animals, which have been accustomed to get food from their mother since childhood, can be rat-catchers. However, this is not entirely true. There are quite a few purebred pet rat catchers who catch mice just as well as yard cats.

Appearance of a rat cat

It is believed that a cat mouse cat must have a special appearance. Which rat cat catchers catch mice better than others can be determined by their appearance.

Such pets should have long whiskers. The best hunters have a special masking color – black, gray, red, with dim stripes or spots. White animals will be more visible, which means that the camouflage can let them down at the most crucial moment. It has long been believed that the tricolor female is the perfect rat catcher. Cats with this color simply does not exist.

The coat must be short. It is believed that the best rat catchers are short-haired animals. Of the long-haired only a few breeds are distinguished, such as the Turkish Angora or the Norwegian Woodland breed. Long hair interferes with successful hunting. However, it is possible to find an excellent rat catcher and among the long-haired breeds.

A rat cat has a triangular shaped head. It is possible to understand that the cat is a rat cat by pressing his ears to the base of his skull. It is also noted that the presence of large ears especially with tassels is an important sign of a rat cat.

There are no perfect rodent hunters, just as there are no cats that do not hunt at all. All cats and rat catchers catch rodents. It is worth noting that some breeds can exterminate mice better than others.

Who is better at catching mice, a cat or a cat

According to experts, the best rodent hunters are cats. Unlike cats, they catch mice and rats without being distracted by such secondary factors as breeding instinct and guarding personal boundaries.

The hunting instinct is most evident in female backyard cats before the onset of heat and during the brood-rearing period. Besides that cats teach their young kittens to hunt and at the same time they train their own skills.

Important! Cats appreciate all birds and small rodents as potential prey, without distinguishing between their own and strange. That is why if there are hamsters, parrots and other small animals besides predators they have to be protected from cats claws.

What breeds catch mice better

The best cat catchers of mice are cats that do not belong to a particular breed. The efficiency of hunting of such individuals is explained by their way of life and the need to get their own food. And although their "professionalism" is not comparable to the hunting skills of pedigree cats, there are also recognized rat catchers among the latter.

These include native varieties, which were formed under natural conditions:

1. American Shorthair. Members of this cat breed have a rich history and used to trap rodents in food warehouses and stores.
2. Burmese cat. The intelligent and charming animal loves to eat and is skilled at catching mice.
3. British Shorthair. A compact cat with a plush coat is also considered a pretty good hunter. It doesn't just catch mice, but often brings them to its owners.
4. European cat. Similar animals were common in ancient Rome. They prefer to hunt at night and are considered to be excellent rat-catchers.
5. Cimric. These powerful, short-tailed cats with sharp claws are meant to be kept in open areas and have innate skills as hunters.
6. The Kuril Bobtail. The Kurilian bobtail cat has long hind legs, due to which it can develop high speed and jump for long distances. The Kuril bobtail is able not only to catch a mouse, but also to chase away strange dogs that sneak onto the property.
7. Maine Coon. Powerful cat with developed muscles and evident hunting instincts is suitable for keeping in a private house with free access to the street. Maine Coon reacts instantly to rodents and does not leave them a single chance.
8. Manx. These cats have always been popular with farmers and sailors. They have developed hunting instincts and are skilled at catching mice.
9. Nibelung. Rare longhairs cats with a complex freedom-loving temperament are endowed with developed hunting instincts and are renowned as excellent rat catchers.
10. Russian Blue. This small cat has a lightning-fast reaction and can move noiselessly. It can catch the slightest rustle and immediately rushes in pursuit of prey.
11. Siberian. A fast cat with excellent reaction time is considered a consummate hunter. The shaggy Siberian prefers to live in wide open spaces and can chase prey in any weather.

European Shorthair (Celtic)

This cat can easily be confused with an ordinary tabby purr of the yard, which is exactly what the impure breeders (not to be confused with the breeders!) take advantage of.

Celtics love people, are trusting and affectionate, love to sit on their hands, which you won't get from outdoor cats. Their color is more bright and clear.

In addition, the Celts have a strong hunting instinct. If a celtic cat refuses to catch a mouse on the rod, then you are a mestizo.

European cats are preferable to keep in homes where there is access to a barn, fence or woodshed. Then the happy pet will feel "at the helm", clearing the backyard of rats and mice.

Siamese and Thai cat

Siamese (and Thais) are as if created for hunting: long antennae, flexible body, big ears and quick reaction.

If other cats usually hunt at night and in the predawn hours, a Siamese cat can do it even in the daytime, which is amazing.

If a Siamese cat brings you a mouse, do not be in a hurry to shout and throw away the "gift", but thank the cat for its good work.

Try to discreetly get rid of the mouse. And be ready to listen to a long tirade about how good the cat is and how exactly the mouse was caught.

What can you do, Siamese love to talk about this and that over a bowl of milk.