As a nature lover, it has been pretty hard seeing my cats potentially decimate nature, but their sweet behavior also softens my heart.
I try my best to prevent hunting around here, especially since my next-door neighbor loves birds and feeds them. Another neighbor has an aviary; one has a fish pond with pricey carp, and another looks after hedgehogs.
But yesterday, Coco managed to sneak out the window. We could not find her all night, which left me worried. The following day, I opened the door, and there was a motionless wood mouse by the door. As I looked further, there were more. I was disheartened.
As a rational being, I tried to understand that they are natural hunters and that hunting is part of their hard-wired behavior and instinct. No matter how much I say no, their instincts remain. I can tell they try to control themselves, and because they are always curious and like to interact with their environment, any moving object triggers their instincts.
Cats have incredible senses, and they connect with humans and other animals in fascinating ways.
I look after Coco and Blu and feed them regularly, they always look out for me. Because of their intense senses, they can be very sweet but can also be cruel, hunting by instinct.
As a purr mommy, I feel responsible for them. Having them on a leash for outdoor time and keeping them mostly indoors helps. The collars with bells allow birds to fly away before the cats can catch them. Playing with them to satisfy their hunting drive, and having Coco spayed while planning to neuter Blu, helps reduce their hunting behavior.
I know their instincts will always be there, but it's my job to guide them and protect the wildlife around us. Even though it’s hard when they bring home a small animal, I remind myself they aren’t doing it to be cruel—it’s just their nature. I’ll keep doing my best to look after both them and the world they live in.
Being a purr mommy means loving them as they are while still caring for nature.
Have a lovely Caturday, everyone!
Mariah 😺💕
