Overcome by mice and rats? 8 breeds of real rat-catching cats that will destroy rodents

When it comes to catching mice, no innovative device can compare with a smart house cat. Fluffy pets have won the love of humans thanks to their ability to destroy rodents. Today, breeders keep cats for the hobby, so pets usually lead a passive lifestyle. For people living in rural areas and having a subsidiary farm, it is important that the cat knows how to catch mice and rats. Rodents periodically appear in every country house and are capable of destroying food and causing diseases. Which cats are better at catching mice, and which breeds are not suitable for hunting?

Yard VS Thoroughbred

The hunting instinct is alive in every cat, regardless of the presence or absence of breed.
But in order to have the honor of being called the best hunter, the degree of expression of this instinct is important. In most cases, a purebred cat catches a mouse simply out of curiosity. She doesn’t try to eat her and doesn’t even always kill her: over the years of selection, breeders have managed to euthanize the cats’ natural inclinations, making these animals more suitable for life in a city apartment. So which cats are better at catching mice? It turns out that they are outbred? However, this is not always the case. Many owners deliberately breed completely domestic mongrel cats, but these cats also live in urban conditions, in apartments, and they see mice no more often than their blue-blooded brothers. If suddenly such a cat catches a rat, it plays with it for a long time, drags it back and forth, without trying to kill it with a precise bite to the back of the head, as real hunters do. And all because, in addition to a pronounced instinct, a cat requires skill. But how to teach a cat to catch mice?

This experiment was carried out back in the 1960s. Four cats and their offspring took part in it. The two cats were pedigree, and the cats for mating were selected accordingly. The other two are skilled hunters living on farms, mated with the same cats. Scientists made a substitution: outbred kittens were placed in purebred cats, and purebred babies were placed in farm cats. When the litters were not even three weeks old, the outbred cat caught a mouse and brought it to “her” kittens. The second yard dog did the same

The hunters taught the purebred kittens to handle their prey with caution and surgical precision. Outbred kittens raised by purebred “mothers” learned only to play, but not to kill - they were not given such an opportunity

As a result, it became obvious which cats are better at catching mice: those that were born and raised in certain conditions, with access to natural prey, raised by rat catchers and with small claws knowing why, in the opinion of hunting cats, nature created mice and other small animals. living creatures

This experience proved that, despite the importance of heredity, upbringing and the conditions for raising litter play a decisive role in the issue of catching rodents.

Therefore, when choosing a future thunderstorm of mice, you should rely on the conditions of keeping the kittens. Ask your neighbors about this question: there is almost certainly a cat living on one of the adjacent plots, whose owners annually adopt kittens born from the gulena

You can bring a rat catcher into a private home directly from the street - a kitten born in the basement already has the necessary skills at the age of three to five months. What breeds of cats catch mice? These are animals of natural proportions, raised in a nursery in a suburban area (with access to the street, and not living in enclosures). These include our Siberians, Russian Blues, Thais, Kuril Bobtails and overseas beauties - Maine Coons, Abyssinians, Bengals, Ocicats, European Shorthairs.

Scottish lop-eared

Some people mistakenly call this breed the British Fold, but this is incorrect. The Scottish Fold cat is only distantly related to the British Fold. This name comes from the time when fold-eared cats bred with the British, then the part of the litter that was produced with folded ears was called by amateurs - British Fold.

Breeding Scottish Fold cats is difficult because a cat can have a Scottish Fold dad or mom, but only one of the parents. When the fluffy lumps appear, whether the kittens are fold-eared or not, it becomes clear not immediately, but after about three weeks, when part of the litter leaves the ears at the top, and some become real fold-eared cats and cats.

Scottish kittens, fold-eared or not, are surrounded by various myths regarding care and education. For example, it is often claimed that Scottish Fold kittens should not eat calcium, but this is not true. Whether a Scottish fold cat or an ordinary cat, everyone needs calcium, as well as good nutrition, care and affection from a loving owner.

It is also believed that kittens, if they are lop-eared, have difficulty hearing. But this myth can be easily dispelled by simply rustling the candy wrapper a little, and the baby will immediately show that, despite his folded small ears, he hears wonderfully.

At any age, the Scottish Fold cat remains affectionate and playful. Whether you are going with him to an exhibition or showing him off to surprised guests, the Scottish Fold cat will invariably make an impression, and especially people unfamiliar with the Scottish Fold cat breed are touched by kittens that are fold-eared and so funny.

1. Dry food is always freely available + the availability of fresh water is always important. Dry food contains the ENTIRE range of essential vitamins and minerals.

3. Beef and veal, raw, scalded and boiled (mainly

Source

Other breeds

As a hunter for a private home, you can purchase the following breed of cats:

European Shorthair

Smart, active and inquisitive pets, distinguished by courage and bravery. The European Shorthair cat adapts to any weather conditions and is distinguished by its affectionate behavior.

In the fight against rodents, animals have proven themselves to be ruthless killers. European tabby. The color of the animal is similar to that of a tiger. Tabbies are distinguished by their strong structure and muscularity, have a strong, large head, sharp teeth and claws. The hunting instinct is inherent from birth, so they grow up to be excellent mousecatchers. Turkish Angora. Cats of this breed have snow-white fur and blue eyes. Despite its defenseless appearance, the Turkish Angora tends to live in the yard and lead an active life. Thanks to fearlessness and curiosity, the pet effectively catches mice.

Creolin

The product has long been used in veterinary medicine. In its pure form it can be purchased at veterinary pharmacies. In gardening stores you can find anti-rodent preparations that contain

. It is produced by dry distillation from coal and has a very pungent odor.

In gardening, creolin is also used to combat harmful insects.

According to reviews, the product repels mice well. To protect your home, you need to moisten small pieces of rags (or, for example, use cotton pads for this purpose) and place them in the corners of rooms, next to upholstered furniture, in the kitchen, where odors attractive to rodents may persist. In the spring, however, the house will have to be washed and ventilated, but we always do this anyway.

By what external signs can one identify a future mousetrap?

It is believed that a cat that can successfully catch mice must look the part. What signs can be used to determine which kitten will be an excellent rodent exterminator?

Signs of a mousecatcher:

long mustache;
wild color - black, red or gray, two or three colors, with faint stripes and spots to blend with nature and remain invisible to its prey;
short hair – long and thick guard hair when wet acquires an unpleasant odor, which can scare away the rodent;
large ears and triangular head;
large paws.

They tried to choose the best rat catcher using these signs several decades ago. In reality, there are no perfect rat hunters. Every cat has a hunting instinct from birth, but not all representatives of the feline family realize it with equal success.

Before you take a kitten into your home to catch mice, you should ask whether its mother was a good hunter. When raising their cubs, cats pass on their skills to them, including in catching rodents.

If the pet was taken from the street, it is highly likely that its hunting skills will be well developed. In purebred pets, the instinct is dulled, especially if several generations of animals have lived in apartments and do not even know what a mouse or rat looks like.

Is it possible to teach a cat to hunt if she doesn't show much desire to catch mice? In order for the animal’s natural instincts to awaken, it is necessary to let the pet feel a slight feeling of hunger. A cat should not be completely deprived of food - this is cruel and fraught with health problems. You just need to reduce the portion size: malnutrition will awaken the instinct in your pet. After the first successful hunt, it is advisable to reward the animal.

You need to teach your pet to hunt from childhood. There is no point in training an adult castrated cat. The purpose of its existence is food and sleep, such animals become lazy and quickly gain excess weight, and it becomes more and more difficult for them to run every year. But you can and should awaken a kitten’s interest in hunting. To do this, catch the mouse using a mousetrap and let your child play with it while it is still alive.

To activate the kitten's hunting instinct, you should play with it more often using a laser pointer or special toys. If your pet tirelessly chases them, he will become a professional in catching mice.

Appearance of the ratcatcher cat

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

Such pets should have long whiskers. The best hunters have a special camouflage color - black, gray, red, with faint stripes or spots. White animals will be more noticeable, which means their camouflage may fail them at the most crucial moment. It has long been believed that the tricolored female is the ideal rat catcher. Cats with this color simply do not exist.

The coat should be short. It is believed that short-haired animals are the best rat catchers. Of the long-haired breeds, only a few breeds are distinguished, for example, the Turkish Angora or the Norwegian Forest breed. Long hair interferes with successful hunting. However, you can find an excellent rat catcher among long-haired purebred animals.

The rat catcher has a triangular shaped head. You can tell that a cat is a rat catcher by pressing its ears to the base of its skull. It is also noted that the presence of large ears, especially with tassels, is an important sign of a rat catcher.

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

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.

Chemical poisons

The industry offers many ready-made versions of rodenticides in different packaging. And if during the summer season you could not use them for fear of accidentally harming pets or children, then before the onset of cold weather, when there will definitely be no one in the house, the poisons can be safely decomposed. According to reviews from summer residents, preparations based on zinc phosphide remain especially effective.

The industry offers rodenticides in different packaging

Many ready-made poisonous baits have a mummifying effect. This means that the animal does not decompose when it dies, and therefore the stench can be avoided. If there are secluded places in the house that are difficult for humans to reach, but are easily accessible to mice, then mummifying baits are a good option. In the spring, you won’t have to open the floors, looking for the source of the stench, or wash the decomposition products of carcasses - it will be enough to simply collect those that are freely available.

How to teach a cat to catch mice

In order for a cat to catch a mouse, it is necessary to initially raise the kitten correctly. At birth they do not have the necessary skill. The mother cat does the upbringing. To develop a hunting character in your pet, you need to train it from an early age.

Some people mistakenly believe that if you don't feed the rat catcher cat before hunting, the cats will catch rats faster and in greater numbers. In fact, the pet needs food to generate energy for hunting.

A hungry cat will have a more difficult time completing the task. If you want a happy cat with a mouse in its teeth to not be a rare occurrence for you, then you shouldn’t starve it.

How to make a cat catch mice: do not overfeed the rat catcher's cat, do not make the rat catcher's cat starve. In addition, you need to reward your pet if it catches a mouse or rat.

Play with your cat using live bait. Catch rodents in mousetraps and give them to your cat. Do not use poison for catching, you can harm the health of your pet.

What to do if the cat does not catch mice:

Understand the reason for this behavior. Perhaps your pet is sick with something. Visit your veterinarian.
Feed properly in small portions 5-6 times a day.
Perhaps sterilized animals have an incorrect diet, create a dietary menu.

It is quite difficult to train a kitten to catch mice, so the mother takes responsibility for raising the kitten. At what age do kittens begin to catch mice? The ideal period for this is 4-5 months.

Keep in mind that your pet needs to be vaccinated before engaging in rodent control. The main one is the rabies vaccination. If your pet is bitten by a rat, immediately take it to the veterinarian for an examination.

How not to harm a cat during castration?

In order for your pet to remain “full” even after castration, you must follow some rules when performing it.

The most important thing is not to sterilize older cats, unless their health and life depend on it.

Thus, all experienced veterinarians believe that castration of animals from seven years of age and older is permissible only for chronic and cancerous diseases of the reproductive organs . The problem is that when such pets are sterilized, there is a serious hormonal imbalance. This will not improve your pet's health. He may begin to have problems with excess weight, the cat will become apathetic, lethargic, and he will even stop catching mice. To prevent this from happening, it is advisable to sterilize older pets using medication. In this case, the level of hormones will decrease gradually, the animal’s body will have time to adapt to the changes taking place, and therefore serious consequences will be avoided.

It's easiest with kittens. They quickly recover from the operation, and hormones do not have such an effect on them (since they have not yet begun to be produced in the proper volume). It is for this reason that it is recommended to castrate animals at an early age. In this case, the procedure does not change their behavior in any way, and the cat will continue to hunt mice with the same enthusiasm.

Who is the best hunter - a cat or a cat?

Who is better at catching rodents - a male or a female? It is believed that the best rat hunters come from stray cats. Maternal instinct forces the female to hunt, and the cat hones her skills to perfection.

Males are not as active as cats. Their main task is procreation; for this, the cat needs to interest and attract the female. However, a cat deprived of food, forced to rely only on itself to solve the “food issue,” is guided by instinct and becomes an excellent hunter.

Cats hunt mice and rats most actively about once a quarter, before the approach of estrus. Consequently, about 3-4 times a year, a pet can clear a house or apartment of uninvited guests. The best candidate for the position of mouser is considered to be a cat.

A little history

For the first time people started talking about representatives of this breed in the middle of the twentieth century. By and large, the first Scots appeared by chance from the British and mongrel cats. Later, breeders became interested in the breed and already in 1963 began breeding fold cats.

By the way, the first appearance of the Scots on television occurred in 1970 in the Soviet cartoon “Carlson is Back,” where the nanny-housekeeper’s cat, Miss Bok Matilda, was a representative of the Highland Fold. But Scottishfold can be seen in the anime “The Return of the Cat”.

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.

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.

How does castration affect the hunting instinct?

Owners of apartments in urban high-rise buildings are not particularly concerned about the loss of hunting skills in their cat after sterilization. But for owners of private houses this topic is extremely relevant. How does the castration or sterilization procedure affect an animal’s ability to kill rodents?

The decision to neuter a cat will not greatly affect its hunting instincts. Cats before and after castration exterminate rats and mice in the territory entrusted to them with equal eagerness and skill. The exception is castrati who are overweight, which appears due to a sedentary lifestyle and too high-calorie diet. It is difficult for such pets to move, and their hunting skills are gradually reduced to zero.

Since the ability to hunt in cats is inherent at the level of instinct, it is difficult to influence it by sterilization. After the procedure, the animal may become less active and mobile, go out hunting less often, but this will not make the ability to track and catch a mouse disappear.

While cats often become fat and lazy after castration, spayed females, on the contrary, show more interest in hunting. Many cat owners claim that after their pet has become infertile, it goes hunting more often and brings its owners the trophies it catches. In addition, having lost interest in the opposite sex and not spending time and energy on bearing and feeding offspring, the cat directs all its energy to satisfying the hunting instinct.

In general, a tendency towards hunting and active games can be identified in an animal even in childhood. If, as a kitten, the pet is not distinguished by curiosity, nimbleness and activity, it is unlikely that in adulthood, especially after castration, it will be drawn to adventures. Typically, castrated cats become more obedient, calm and balanced.

Special habits of the Scots

Scottish Fold Description of the character of the Scottish Fold cat can be described by their characteristic habits:

Interesting and even funny leisure habits. They sleep on their backs, which is not typical for cats in principle. This sleeping position is not observed in any other breed of cat.
Observing something while standing on its hind legs if the object is high.
To attract attention and receive its share of affection, it can purr and rub its muzzle against a person.
Can't stand being held or being squeezed. The cat may show its displeasure.
In pursuit of an object of interest to them, for example, when playing with a person, they run very fast and can climb onto a hill. They jump well, run and have well-developed muscles.
Scottish cats are usually silent. They voice only in important situations, in their own opinion. If you come across a sociable individual, you need to understand that he will become too sociable. He will accompany with his comments every step of the owner and his own. Many people don't like this behavior. Therefore, it is worth taking a closer look at the animal’s character while still in the nursery.

Cats squabble, mice are welcome (proverb)

If there is already a cat living in the house, but it has not succeeded in catching rodents, the second pet should be of the opposite sex. One of the pets will have to be castrated, otherwise constant “weddings” are inevitable, knocking the hunter out of her “schedule”. There has been a lot of research into whether neutered cats catch mice. It has been proven that sexual desire only hinders a cat, and does not spur it on. A sterile cat, having forgotten about “partying”, devotes more time to games and hunting, and therefore is more successful. A castrated cat will not hunt less if he enjoyed this activity before the procedure. But if all his thoughts were occupied only with the search for partners, castration is unlikely to awaken in him a passion for hunting, although this also happens.

Two cats are the worst option: they will sort things out, forgetting about the mice that are getting bolder every day. Two cats can coexist peacefully if there is enough space and love in the house for both. Perhaps a more successful hunter will even become an example and be able to interest a lazier cat.

Hunger is not a lady, it won’t bring you a pie (proverb)

Do cats eat mice? Surely yes, because why else would this perfect animal bother hunting if not for food? Therefore, if you do not give the cat food, it will hunt better. It sounds logical, and that’s why many owners make this mistake: “If I don’t feed it, I’ll catch more mice.”

In fact, a cat catches mice regardless of the feeling of hunger or satiety. It is not entirely clear, but many scientists believe that hunting is a kind of game for cats. She likes the process itself, she experiences joy after a successful hunt and is upset when she misses the prey. Do cats eat mice? Undoubtedly. Domestic predators especially like common mice, shrews and voles. But cats simply kill moles and rats, but rarely eat them. By the way, a hungry cat is less successful in hunting, as it shows impatience. And such animals are more prone to wandering, because they do not feel a strong attachment to home and family: “They feel sorry for the milk, but should I come back here?”

Main breeds of rat catchers

Independent hunters are representatives of the Russian Blue breed. They become attached to only one owner, whom they are ready to protect from rodents. Athletic athletes - Chartreux cats - have a beautiful athletic physique, which helps in catching rats and mice.

Maine Coon

This ratcatcher cat is the largest breed; it is an intelligent and selective animal - a good hunter. The Maine Coon reacts with lightning speed to a rodent, and its powerful body and dexterous movements leave no chance for rats and mice. At the same time, he is a sweet and gentle creature who will purr with pleasure in his owner’s ear.

Siberian

The Siberian cat rarely becomes attached to humans, perhaps it has the “wild” blood of its ancestors. This balanced and powerful animal is considered the best rat hunter. Freedom is very important for an obstinate pet; the cat wants to walk outside from time to time. The Siberian cat is capable of developing great speed in running and jumping well. In addition, the animal has an excellent reaction.

European

The cat was common in ancient Rome. She copes well with the duties of a rat catcher. Each representative of this breed is an individual. The animal has a silver marbled or gray color.

Kurilian Bobtail

The animal was brought to us from the Kuril Islands. By their nature, the fluffies of this breed are similar to dogs. The little kitten quickly becomes attached to its owner and tries to take care of him.

The Kurilian Bobtail has a small tail. The cat has elongated and powerful hind limbs, which allow him to jump and develop great speed while running. The Bobtail can cope with any rat's home.

Siamese

Humans have nothing to do with the breeding of this breed. Siamese cats are fast and graceful. They have a very well developed hunting instinct.

How to get rid of mice and rats? 8 breeds of rat-catching cats that will find and neutralize rodents

For most of us, cats are the embodiment of home comfort, tranquility and laziness. Few people would think that these charming couch potatoes can bring tangible benefits. And yet it is so. Today we will talk about rat-catching cats that can clean the house and surrounding area from mice and rats

Despite the fact that all cats are predators, not everyone can become a good rat catcher. The rodent hunter must have strong bones, well-developed muscles, long, dexterous paws and (optional) striped or tri-colored coloring that will provide good camouflage.

Gender matters too. Ratcatching cats are very rare; cats usually hunt rodents. They are driven by maternal instinct, or more precisely, by the need to feed and protect their offspring.

If a cat actively catches mice and rats, she will teach her cubs to do the same. Therefore, they should not be separated from their mother earlier than 4-5 months after birth.

Since domestic cats have been living with humans for hundreds of years, they have no urgent need to get their own food. Therefore, in many ornamental varieties, hunting instincts have been lost. On the other hand, there are many breeds that were and remain excellent predators and in which the hunter gene is highly developed.

European shorthair cat

Small smooth-haired animals of gray striped, spotted or marbled color are considered to be outbred. But these “plebeians” caught rats and mice back in Ancient Rome. The European Shorthair cat is a strong, agile and intelligent animal. She loves and knows how to hunt, and at the same time has good contact with people. However, if you pick up a mongrel kitten on the street, you shouldn’t hope that it will start exterminating rats left and right. As a rule, private breeders or nurseries are engaged in breeding really high-quality rat-catcher cats, and often there is a queue for offspring almost a year in advance. If you want such a cat, look for trusted breeders with recommendations, but remember that it takes 4-5 months for a mother to teach her cub predator skills, so you should give preference to older kittens.

Ratcatcher cats can catch rats, mice, snakes and moles equally well, but they will also calmly deal with domestic animals - ducklings or chickens. Therefore, it is important to raise the animal correctly from the very beginning.

Source

It is better to feed one cat than a hundred mice (proverb)

And not only to feed, but also to protect from possible dangers. The owner of a rat-catching cat should not skimp on vaccinations, deworming and other preventive measures

Treatment for fleas and worms - all this is extremely important, because a cat that catches wild rodents is daily exposed to the risk of becoming infected with parasites and viruses. “Apartment” mice and rats can be poisoned by slow-acting arsenic and other poisons: eating such prey leads to serious poisoning and sometimes to the death of the pet

Therefore, you can only allow a cat to eat mice if you live in the countryside, and if you know for sure that your neighbors do not use pesticides to control rodents.

Russian blue cats

These beautiful cats with soft, thick gray fur with blue tints have won the hearts of many people not only with their beauty, but also with their ability to catch mice.

Russian blue cats are strong, hardy, ready to attack even large rodents, not to mention ordinary mice, which, having smelled the scent of a predator, try with all their might to avoid meeting it. Sometimes even big rats are afraid to come out of their holes, so as not to run into this beautiful huntress.

We suggest you read: What kind of fish to keep in a small aquarium Russian blue cats are excellent hunters

Peekaboo

And which cats are better at catching rats than others, based not on their breed, but on their appearance? It is believed that these are short-haired animals: in damp weather, long hair smells stronger, scaring away potential prey. In addition, the fur coat must be appropriately colored: dim stripes and spots are welcome, the so-called “wild” color, which helps the hunter to blend in with the terrain. If there is no pattern on the fur coat, calm, soft colors are preferable: a white cat has difficulty catching a mouse, but a red, gray or black one can hide more easily, using the features of the landscape. And, on the advice of our grandparents, choose the most whiskered kitten: the longer the whiskers, the more successful the hunt.

Hunting

Of course, for apartment residents the issue is not so pressing. But for owners of dachas or private houses, the question arises bluntly. It is difficult to control a conditionally street animal, which in fact only comes home for food and affection.

There is an opinion that after castration the animal becomes calmer and more indifferent to hunting. Allegedly, a decrease in testosterone affects the behavioral functions of the pet. But this opinion is wrong - a decrease in hormonal levels cannot greatly influence the skills inherent genetically.

ATTENTION! Even a domestic cat remains a predator. This is in the genes and is poorly regulated even by modern drugs.

Relationship with the owner

A true Briton is smug and self-sufficient, and views his owners as breadwinners. It is not without reason that this breed is considered suitable for business people. They don't like to sit on their hands and can't stand noisy companies at all.

After a long day of work, the pet will greet the person reverently and tenderly, and will rub against the legs. They don’t like it when the owner stays late somewhere and doesn’t come home from work on time.

If there is a child in the family, you should not have a Briton for his entertainment. Representatives of this breed are very patient with children, but they will not allow themselves to be made into toys. They will hide and run away.

It is very rare for a straight-eared Briton to be “tame.” He doesn't often ask to be held and petted. However, when he needs to climb onto his owner’s lap, he will follow along until he achieves his goal.

Character of British cats

Like any breed of cat, the British are characterized by certain traits in character and behavior. The name of the British Shorthair breed speaks of aristocracy, endurance and endurance, which are inherent in a real Englishman.

Aristocratism is also evident in the British Longhairs. From an early age, they are particularly clean - they take care of their fur and do not allow themselves to create a mess in the house. For the first 2-4 months of life, kittens like to play and frolic, but in adolescence, the British become more sedate.

British cats can be safely called calm and friendly animals. Thanks to their inexhaustible patience, they get along well with all family members and other animals.

Fold-eared Briton - reality or myth>>

How long do British cats live? >>

Despite the fact that British cats are affectionate and gentle creatures, they still cannot tolerate excessive familiarity. Pet owners note that straight-eared Britons do not like to sit on their hands for a long time and allow themselves to be petted only with their permission.

They are not at all offended by the long absence of their owner, and faithfully wait for him all day long. However, it is not recommended to limit your pet’s freedom in the house - be sure to leave the interior doors open before leaving. Otherwise, upon your return, you will notice your pet’s offended look and doors damaged by claws.

A feature of the breed is independence. Britons are ideal animals for people who work for a long time.

This breed of cat does not like to be angry or shouted at. However, even in a conflict situation, the British are not aggressive and do not bite. They simply walk away from the offender with their heads raised and are not the first to reconcile. With the help of such peculiar harmful habits, the animal emphasizes its importance and demands respect for its own person.

A cat of the British breed, regardless of the color of its coat - blue, white, lilac or marble, cannot be forced to do anything. Animals have a stubborn character, so they can only be raised with the help of cunning and love. But reviews of the British chinchilla are much different. The characteristics of the breed include a more developed mentality. Perhaps this is why chinchillas are easier to train.

Types of British >> What does a British cat look like >>

Attitude towards other animals

If you already have an animal in the house and you decide to get a British one, then it is very difficult to guess how the relationship will develop. Representatives of this breed have a rather capricious character, everything is very individual.

There are no particular problems with other pets. Relationships can be very good if a British kitten and another cat or dog are taken into the house at the same time. They are still getting used to each other as babies.

In the case when an adult is taken into the house, everything depends on how the other animal will treat the representative of the British breed. They really don't like being bothered

It doesn’t matter what kind of pet is next to them in the same apartment. The main thing to maintain calm is to simply not bully or touch them

Britons usually get along easily with other animals.

British cat and children

British Shorthair cats easily get along in families with small children. In addition, the child will be able to easily involve the British in some kind game. The animal doesn’t mind chasing a ball, a car or a wind-up mouse together.

A kitten's favorite pastime can be a candy wrapper tied to a rope or even a simple piece of fabric, with which the pet can deftly run around the house. By the way, active rest is very beneficial for the health of British cats, since they are prone to obesity. However, children should not take advantage of the patient nature of the British. If you hold them by force or cause pain, the cat may release its claws, protecting its dignity.

How to name a British kitten >> How to name a kitten by the length of its fur >>

Most often, positive reviews about the relationship between British cats and children are left by owners of British longhairs and chinchillas. And it is not surprising, because these cats are distinguished by a more flexible character and intelligence. In addition, families with children are often recommended to adopt a Scottish fold cat, which always finds an approach to all residents of the house. How do the British differ from the Scots >>

How to raise a hunter

Some people wonder why a pet, even of the “right” breed, does not catch rodents. For a kitten to become a rat catcher, it must be raised properly

It is important that his mother herself is a rat catcher and instills in the baby the necessary skills

If you adhere to certain rules, you will definitely raise a good hunter:

Encourage the hunting instinct in your baby - praise the animal if it has caught prey.
Don't starve the animal. Otherwise, the cat will run away or start stealing food from neighbors, collecting in trash cans, and not catching the rat.
Your pet should be fed in small portions several times a day. The bowl of food should not be left standing all the time.
The rat catcher should be vaccinated against rabies. If a rat has injured an animal, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Kurilian Bobtail

The breeds of cats that are good rat catchers also include the Kurilian Bobtail. The bobtail cat first appeared in Russia in the 20th century, when it was brought from the Kuril Islands. These animals are distinguished by their loyal nature to humans. In some ways they even resemble dogs in character.

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Kurilian bobtail kittens immediately become attached to a person and try in every possible way to protect him from all sorts of troubles. The latter include rodents. By the way, in addition to mice and rats, bobtails are capable of driving away small dogs that have encroached on their territory.

The breed is distinguished by a small tail, the maximum size of which is only 8 cm. In body structure, these animals resemble a lynx: they have long and powerful hind limbs, allowing them to make excellent jumps. Kurilian bobtails are capable of running at high speed and crushing mice and rats.

The weight of these animals is up to 6 kg in females and up to 10 kg in males. Whatever the hole is - a mouse or a rat, the Kurilian Bobtail can cope with it; it is not without reason that they are often found on farms and in houses where rodent pests predominate.

Domestic Kuril Bobtails can sometimes surpass even a dog in their hunting and guarding skills. Although these small cats with small fluffy tails are not as massive as May Coons, they are very strong and brave.

But, as in the case of fold ears and Maine Coons, bobtails of any breed, be it Japanese, American, or Kuril, are very expensive, and not everyone can have one. Moreover, he needs care appropriate to his breed.

The Kurilian Bobtail is good at catching rodents

Suitable breeds

The best mousecatchers are native cat breeds that appeared naturally and have not undergone significant transformation. Compared to artificially bred ones, hunting skills in such breeds have been developed over centuries, which has given the corresponding result.

Maine Coon

Maine Coon
Cats of the Maine Coon breed are the best hunters of mice and rats. Maine Coons are distinguished by their large size and strength, which does not prevent them from gracefully jumping and chasing prey in hard-to-reach places. Maine Coons are gambling animals. A cat can chase a rat for hours, ignoring heat, cold, and rain. Thanks to its thick coat, the animal feels comfortable in the cold and can spend a long time outdoors. Large body sizes make it possible to destroy large rodents, which repel smaller rat catchers. Maine Coons prefer to spend time in the yard; country life is an ideal option for them.

Russian blue

Due to its compact size and aristocratic appearance, village house owners doubt the hunting skills of the Russian Blue cat. The lack of heavy weight is compensated by a quick reaction and the ability to move quietly around the yard. The Russian Blue cat tracks rodents of any size, which serves as the main entertainment for the pet. The cat's movements are graceful and precise, the speed of movement is amazing. The owners of Russian blue cats confirm that they hear any rustle and leave no chance for the mice to survive.

Siberian

The skill of catching mice among Siberians has been confirmed by more than one generation. The pet is large in size and has thick fur, which allows it to pursue prey in any weather conditions, moving silently. The role of sound insulation is performed by fluffy pads on the paws. Siberian cats move in jerks and make long jumps, which allows them to cope with the prey. Since Siberians are not attached to their owner and home, pets spend most of their time outside, ambushing rodents. When the Siberian cat is busy tracking down prey, it ignores the call of a person and the feeling of hunger, plunging into the hunt. It is recommended to get a breed for people living in the northern regions.

Kurilian Bobtail

They are distinguished by their attachment to the owner. Kurilian bobtails have a canine disposition and are ready to protect their owner from all threats and misfortunes. According to the cat, the main danger to humans is the mouse, so the pet devotes all its energy to tracking down and eliminating the rodent. Kurilian bobtails have powerful hind legs, allowing them to develop great speed and make long jumps. The animal moves from place to place with ease and is capable of destroying broods of mice. Thanks to its determination and courage, the Kurilian Bobtail is not afraid to get into a fight even with a medium-sized dog, so the owner does not have to worry about the safety of the yard. The cat will guard and defend the territory of the house until the end.

Nibelung

A rare breed of domestic cats with a difficult character. Nibulungs are proud and freedom-loving. The animal will not let a person near until it is convinced of his kindness and reliability. English origin and royal appearance do not prevent the Nibelungs from destroying the mice that have settled in the house. Due to their thick, long fur, Nibelungs require grooming, otherwise the pet will develop voluminous mats.

Cymric

In appearance they resemble yard cats and have a short tail like a bobtail. It is believed that an elongated tail makes hunting easier, but practice shows the opposite. Thanks to the original structure of the body, the Cymrik is perfectly oriented in space and moves gracefully. Strong paws and sharp claws make the animal a successful rat catcher. Cats have a playful disposition and are active; they love to spend time outside, hunting for rodents. To stay fit and healthy, the animal needs long walks and fresh air. It is recommended to keep them in a private house in an open area.

British Shorthair

Because of their cute faces and plush fur, Britons are considered sissies and couch potatoes, but these purebred animals make the list of the best rat catchers. The British have a well-developed hunting instinct and have the necessary inclinations. To please the owner, to receive rewards and praise, the animal is able to catch and bring prey in its teeth. Since British Shorthairs are compact in size (weighing rarely more than 5 kg), they often hunt mice and young rats. They rarely enter into battle with large individuals.

Maine Coon

These animals can rightfully be called the terror of mice and rats. The Maine Coon cat is capable of surviving in fairly harsh conditions. These are large animals. Thus, males are capable of reaching a weight of 15 kg. Due to their large size, such animals are often kept on farms where they protect the owner’s farm from mice and rats.

Maine Coons are stately animals with a predatory disposition. They do not really like affection from humans, although the character of these animals is gentle and kind. These are smart animals with lightning-fast reactions.

Maine Coons have highly developed muscles. They have a broad chest and strong, strong bones. These animals are distinguished from other breeds by the tufts on their ears. The color of Maine Coons can vary. Their fur is dense and their tail is long. All qualities speak in favor of the fact that these cats are excellent mouse and rat catchers.

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The cat sleeps, but sees all the mice (proverb)

Because of the hunter’s attachment to the house, many owners are faced with the problem: “Why do cats bring mice to the doorstep, to the owner’s bed, to the kitchen?” Finding a dead or half-dead rodent is not very pleasant. But animal psychologists recommend treating this phenomenon calmly, without scolding the cat or throwing away this unique gift in front of her eyes. If your pet brought a mouse and defiantly laid it on the floor at your feet, this speaks of strong affection and love: “Here, eat. You’re clumsy, strange, you don’t have a tail - you’ll never be able to catch it yourself.”

There are other reasons why cats bring mice. One of them is banal practicality: “What if tomorrow you won’t be able to catch prey?” The second is the desire to play with the mouse later, after completing more important tasks known to one cat. And the third is uncertainty: “I’ll play here, otherwise there are plenty of other cats on the street, they’ll take more of them.” In any case, the more acutely the owner reacts to this behavior, the more often the cat will bring prey into the house. It’s better to quietly throw the rodent out or take it outside the threshold and defiantly put it somewhere nearby: “Store it here, no one will touch it!”

The most popular cat breeds: Scottish Fold (PHOTO), care, character

These creatures look attentively and in amazement at the world with huge round eyes of amber, gray, green, orange, and when they turn to you with a proud profile, you can see a small humped nose and a sloping forehead with powerful brow ridges. And immediately a powerful rumbling is heard - simply because they are happy to see you.

People love cats, that's an undeniable fact. Moreover, people love all kinds of cats: huge Maine Coons with charming tufts on their ears, funny short-legged and long munchkins, tailless brave bobtails, curly rexes, hairless sphinxes, which don’t even look much like cats, vindictive Siamese, ordinary gray and spotted “ Murok" - there is no need to list all the breeds, of which there are only 70 officially, and unofficially more than 100. People just love cats.

Have you ever seen wonderful creatures that look like they have an invisible bandana tied around their head, pressing their ears tightly and bending them forward? These creatures look attentively and in amazement at the world with huge round eyes of amber, gray, green, orange, and when they turn to you with a proud profile, you can see a small humped nose and a sloping forehead with powerful brow ridges. And immediately a powerful rumbling is heard - simply because they are happy to see you. Here are Scottish Fold cats - Scottish Fold.

Scottish fold cats

Scottish is a very young breed, the first representative of which, a funny white cat with funny, forward-curved ears, was seen by a certain William Ross on an unknown farm in the north-west of Scotland exactly 50 years ago. I saw it and bought it, being moved by the appearance of the animal, which resembled an owlet and a bear cub at the same time. The kitten grew into a luxurious beast, which became the ancestor of unusual cats, and in 1978

Do they catch mice?

Representatives of the breed do not have hunter instincts, and therefore, if they catch a mouse, it is only for play.

Choosing a fold-eared cat to get rid of rodents is not the best idea. These are not Thai hunter cats, which are focused on finding prey and destroying it. The Scottish feline can catch a small mouse, but he will be scared of a rat and hide in a corner

It is worth paying attention to the individual character traits of the animal. A pet torpedo will be interested in hunting and will look for an opportunity to frolic; a lout will not be interested in such an activity

A domestic purebred cat can easily be poisoned by a caught mouse, since he is accustomed and accustomed to home-cooked food.

Which ones are caught?

The role of the best mouse hunter was taken over by outbred cats, who were born on the street and raised by their mother, who hunted to feed her offspring. It is in their upbringing that this is the only way to get food. When choosing a cat solely for the function of catching mice, people focus on aggressive breeds (British, Siamese, Maine Coons). According to numerous testimonies from owners, British cats are capable of catching and destroying even a rat.

British behavior

A British breed cat does not like loud noises, and therefore tries to talk quietly and purr only when absolutely necessary. The British value their relaxation and privacy very much. They can easily sleep up to 20 hours a day.

The British cat is the personification of calm and true comfort in the home.

It is very important for a cat of this breed to know that she is loved. Some Britons even become jealous of their owner if he devotes a large amount of time to someone else. But a “tame” British cat is a rarity. The animal sits in the arms of the owner for a maximum of 5 minutes a day, and then, pretending to be a deep favor.

British cat care and maintenance >>

At the same time, other family members can only dream of holding him. Pure-blooded Britons sometimes even attack and bite strangers. It is possible to change such habits of an animal only in childhood, constantly exposing it to new people. This way the British cat will know that there are different smells and hands.

A feature of the behavior of British cats is “licking” and washing themselves after any psychological stress, for example, a serious “conversation” with the owner, a trip to an exhibition or a visit to the veterinarian. But it's not just stress that causes cleanliness for the British. Thanks to their innate aristocracy, these animals never shit in the wrong place, provided that their tray is clean. Only during puberty, like any member of the cat family, can Britons begin to mark their territory. Therefore, if you are not going to continue the offspring of your pet, it is better to castrate a British cat at the age of 8-10 months, and sterilize a cat.

Siberian

The only thing known about the origin of the breed is that it was brought from Asia to Russia. The breed got its name due to its fluffy and long coat. Some owners get these animals just for their attractive appearance. However, not everyone knows that this breed is a born rat catcher.

The appearance is characteristic: representatives of the breed have a strong body (the weight of males reaches 9 kg, and females - 7 kg) and strong legs with a strong grip. The hind legs of these animals are longer than the front ones, due to which they are able to develop greater speed in running and also jump well. Siberian cats have excellent reactions. Even from their glance it is clear that they are able to take part in the fight against mice and rats.

The character of these animals is quite obstinate. They do not become very attached to their owner, preferring to walk on their own. Their freedom is very important to these animals. Due to its free-spirited nature, such a cat needs periodic walks outside.