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Is your cat a hunter? You probably see hunting skills even in your house cats—as they stalk, leap, and pounce on their toys or you when you walk past. Our two foo-foo house kitties—both females—will annihilate a poor moth, fly, or bug that finds its way in. But usually after a lot of teasing and tormenting. Gosh those cute, fluffy, balls of fur can be ferocious.
I came across an article this week featuring the best hunting breeds in cats. I found it interesting and thought you would, too. Among those breeds thought to be the best hunters are, the Turkish Angora, Manx, Burmese, Siamese, Japanese bobtail, American shorthair, Maine Coon and, believe it or not, the Persian.
I actually had a purebred Persian once who presented us with a mouse one morning when we woke up. There, that beautiful shaded-silver Persian sat ever so prim next to the bed looking at us through huge green eyes, a dead mouse at her feet. She was so proud!
Female cats are purported to be better mousers and ratters than males. Although I doubt
Smokey, the inspiration for this series
any cat can out-hunt Smokey—my mom’s part ragdoll cat. He regularly brings her lizards, birds—even humming birds—and baby gophers. At the age of 95, my mom still occasionally chases down and rescues a bird that Smokey turns loose in the house.
According to one of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books, the best hunter is a cat with big ears and a long tail.
Now you know, if you need a cat to help rid your barn or garden of vermin, choose a female with Siamese, Persian, Maine Coone, and Manx breeding and make sure it has large ears and a long tail. Good luck.
