Greetings from East Yorkshire

[henrya]

Quote
was told that to deter cats from hunting, it is best to keep them inside for the first 6-9 months of their lives as that, apparently, prevents them from honing their hunting skills and stops them from developing a liking for hunting.
Endquote

My last cat was a complete house cat - but that did not stop him from catching small mammals that came his way. One shrew he killed while it was under the matting in 'his' room. My mother and I kept on telling him that there was nothing at the spot he kept sniffing - but when we lifted the mat to show him, there was the now very flat shrew! Later on, I was sitting reading one evening and the cat was sitting in one of his usual places, on the end of the banisters at the top of the stairs, where he used to listen to the mice running around under the floorboards. I heard a loud thump, and he ran downstairs to show me the Bank Vole that he had caught. It was stone dead, so I think he must have landed on it with all four feet! So he know what to do, despite never having hunted outside.

henrya

[Lou-D]

Originally Posted by nightshade

hello lou d, I was born in Wentworth so another yorkshireman?,keeping cats in only gets them used to an area so they dont go back to their old territory
ferrets are the most amazing creatures and I would dearly like to keep them
but they are susceptible to so many human ailments!
any hoo welcome

Ooh yes, another Yorky!!! Nice to meet you, Nightshade

I adore my ferrets but they are very addictive so be warned! I started off with 2 that I got from a rescue and have 10 now!! They do make terrific pets - very intelligent, affectionate and so very amusing (and naughty!), they have me in hysterics at times. I could tell you loads of amusing stories about the antics of my lot. They are just as susceptible to illness as any other pet really, but they can catch (and give) the human flu virus so I tend to be careful about handling them if I have a cold/flu. Many health problems in ferrets can be prevented by common sense and correct care. I would recommend them as pets.

[Lou-D]

Originally Posted by henrya

Quote
My last cat was a complete house cat - but that did not stop him from catching small mammals that came his way. One shrew he killed while it was under the matting in 'his' room. My mother and I kept on telling him that there was nothing at the spot he kept sniffing - but when we lifted the mat to show him, there was the now very flat shrew! Later on, I was sitting reading one evening and the cat was sitting in one of his usual places, on the end of the banisters at the top of the stairs, where he used to listen to the mice running around under the floorboards. I heard a loud thump, and he ran downstairs to show me the Bank Vole that he had caught. It was stone dead, so I think he must have landed on it with all four feet! So he know what to do, despite never having hunted outside.

henrya

Yes, I think some of them will retain their hunting instincts whatever we do to try and repress them. I once had a cat who used to go out. She'd disappear off and return later pulling huge, full grown rabbits through the cat flap. (Why do they always bring them home?) I'd often get back home to find blood and guts - and the scut - left in my porch! 'Nasty little catses'!!!

[nightshade]

henrya,hello My cat madam mim used to bring rabbits (youngsters)and mice etc. home and lay them on my pillow while I slept then call loudly for attention!

[Fritillary]

Hello again!!
Euh yes it is true what you say
quote of Lou D
.."Living in an old property, we've never really had a mouse problem til recently. Within a week I've discovered two dead mice in the house - one was well chewed "...
I have had around 30 something cats (not all at the same time!!) and the personality plays an important role in chassing. You remind me a cat who liked to eat mice. I remember every morning I saw some tails on the floor, and it was him cose the other 2 I had were too young to be outside.
Now he is around 10 and he doesnt chasse at all.
Well wait 10 years to leave yours to visit the garden

See you soon