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Cats/sudden change in normal behavior

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Expert: - 2/1/2008


Question
Growing up I have always had cats, and am very aware of thier behavior when it comes to bringing home "presents." Recently my cat brought in a field rat, and ran to his food bowl and growled at the thought of us trying to take this prize away from him, then started to toss it around the kitchen as if it were a rubber ball, I finally got it away from him, got rid of it, and never thought anything else of it, well 2 days later he runs into the house with a bird flapping in his mouth, after chasing him around, we finally got him outside, and followed him to see if he would just drop the bird, well he ended up eating it, and I am worried that this is unusual behavior, or just the beginning of something bad.

Answer
Hi Melissa,

This isn't unusual behavior. Actually, this is pretty normal behavior for a cat. You need to keep a couple of things in mind. He needs to be kept up on his rabies vaccination. You don't know what one of those critters may have. You also have to be careful of Toxoplasmosis if you are pregnant. Other than that I wouldn't worry too much about his behavior. I would worry more about him being hurt by something else outside than that stuff. Good luck.

Ciao, Karen

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Karen Craft

Expertise

I can give advice on cat behavior. I can help about newborn kitten care. I can help with senior cat care. I can answer questions about cat proofing a home or making it cat friendly. I can answer diet questions. I can answer home treatments questions for cats. At present I have 13 cats in home and two ferals outside. And there's always room for one more!

Experience

I have over 40 year's experience with cats. Father was a veterinarian and I assisted him in his work. I have 15 cats at present. Most are shelter or feral rescues. I have one purebred cat. I have done cat rescues and foster care. Some thoughts to carry with you. A Cat's 10 Commandments My life is likely to last 15-20 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful. Give me time to understand what you want of me. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being. Don't be angry with me for long and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainments. But I have only you. Talk to me. Even if I don't understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it. Before you swat me, before you strike me, remember that I have teeth that could draw blood. And claws to strike back. And yet I choose not to attack you. If I don't act right then have me checked to see what is wrong. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too will grow old. On the difficult journey, on the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please. Never say you can't bear to watch. Don't make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there. Because I love you so. Take a moment today to thank God for your pets. Enjoy and take good care of them. Life would be a much duller, less joyful thing without God's critters. Pass this on.

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I have an A.A.S.

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