Crazy idea?

I'd like to teach my two rather wimpy kittens to hunt, or at least
give them something entertaining and instructive to do.
I want them to be more like my girlfriends' cat, that cool cat
who killed those bunnies and birds.

I am considering the idea of buying several small rodents from
the pet store and releasing them in the house. I'm very curious
to see how the kittens will react. Will they give chase? I
sure hope so.

Anway, am I crazy? Cruel? More importantly, will the
kitties benefit from this 'war game'? What kind of rodent should I buy?

Thanks

223rem wrote:
> I'd like to teach my two rather wimpy kittens to hunt, or at least
> give them something entertaining and instructive to do.
> I want them to be more like my girlfriends' cat, that cool cat
> who killed those bunnies and birds.
>
> I am considering the idea of buying several small rodents from
> the pet store and releasing them in the house. I'm very curious
> to see how the kittens will react. Will they give chase? I
> sure hope so.
>
> Anway, am I crazy? Cruel? More importantly, will the
> kitties benefit from this 'war game'? What kind of rodent should I buy?

Most people don't have to buy rodents. Lower the housekeeping bar just
a little bit and you'll get them for free. But if you have to buy
them, make sure you get at least one boy and one girl. That way you're
cats get more practice.

>
> Thanks

"223rem" > wrote in message
m...
> I'd like to teach my two rather wimpy kittens to hunt, or at least
> give them something entertaining and instructive to do.
> I want them to be more like my girlfriends' cat, that cool cat
> who killed those bunnies and birds.
>
> I am considering the idea of buying several small rodents from
> the pet store and releasing them in the house. I'm very curious
> to see how the kittens will react. Will they give chase? I
> sure hope so.
>
> Anway, am I crazy? Cruel? More importantly, will the
> kitties benefit from this 'war game'? What kind of rodent should I buy?
>
> Thanks


You can't teach them to hunt, but your girlfriend's cat could. That is, IF
your girlfriend's cat is a real hunter. Cats learn to hunt from other cats,
usually "mother", if the mother is a good hunter. But for this to work
you'd have to adopt your girlfriend's cat for a few weeks (or she could
adopt your kittens for a few weeks). After the kittens have grown attached
to the older cat, then they might learn to hunt. I don't know what they'd
learn from releasing rodents in the house though. To get a real education,
all three cats would have to spend time together outside. When the kittens
start bringing home dead animals for you, you'll know that the older cat did
a good job of teaching them. -Dave

On Sat, 28 May 2005 20:48:15 GMT, 223rem , said the following in
rec.autos.driving...


> Anway, am I crazy?

Dunno, I don't know you that well... ;-)

> Cruel?

Not IMO.

> What kind of rodent should I buy?

Some pet stores sell small rodents (mice primairly) for people who own
snakes and certain other animals that like such things. If they ask any
questions, simply tell them you have a pet Boa that is hungry....

>
> Thanks
>