Cats are natural-born hunters. Those twitching tails and fluttering feathers trigger their primal instincts. But what about the potential health risks? Let’s dive into the great debate.

Eating mice and birds involves some danger. Critters can carry a wide variety of bacteria, diseases, and parasites that your cat might ingest while dining al fresco. Let’s take a look at some of them. Birds and mice can carry leptospirosis, hantavirus, toxoplasmosis, and other bacteria. Tapeworms and other nasties can hitch a ride into your cat’s digestive system, leading to health issues. Sadly, Snowball can contract any of these by biting or playing with infected prey. If the prey your cat captures has ingested rodenticides (mouse poison), your cat can become a secondary poisoning victim, because mouse poison can also be fatal to your cat. Rodenticide can take up to a week to kill a mouse, so neither you or your cat will know she has accientally consumed this poison. Mice are common carriers of fleas, so if Snowball is a mouser, the chances of her picking up fleas from a mouse are high. Fleas can spread Cat Scratch Fever, Tapeworm, and Feline Infectious Anemia to your kitty. They can also cause flea allergy dermatitis.

To help safeguard your cat’s health, consider these precautions: Put on gloves and dispose of the dead animal. Keep your cat’s flea and tick control up to date. Keep your cat inside or on a porch or catio. Train your kitty to wear a harness and walk on a leash so you can supervise her outdoor time. Schedule regular vet visits, tell your vet you’ve got a hunter, and if Snowball exhibits any unusual behavior after consuming prey, promptly see your vet. While cats’ hunting instincts are natural, understanding the hazards associated with their outdoor escapades can help keep them safe and healthy. Stay vigilant, and remember that protecting your feline friend is always a top priority.