The Secret Life of Cats

ed happily throughout the day, moving occasionally to follow the sun, have a snack from the ever-full food bowl or relieve itself in the tray or outside. It may

Cats will hunt whether they are hungry or not – the areas of the brain that control hunger and hunting are different and are stimulated by different things. Whether cats stay in or go out, they will need to exhibit their hunting behaviours – some cats more than others. Owners must be aware of this and if the cat is not doing it for itself outside then they must play and provide mock hunts for the cat. Cats are only usually successful in about 10 per cent of hunts – they need to eat about ten rodents a day, which means a lot of hunting. Owners of indoor cats take note – physical and mental stimulation will be part of the job of looking after an indoor cat.