Cats and Mutelated rats: Re-training advice needed

aloevera

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Aloha from the jungles of Big Island in Hawaii!

We are cat owners with an unusual situation. As we have read in multiple blogs and stories, cats enjoy the game and many times devour the little creature in various ways. 

Our story goes something like the following:

Usually, our kitties would enjoy the nightly hunts with much amusement and cute little "mrawrs." Since we have a large space, and indoor/outdoor cats, we leave the front doors open a crack for them to go out at night. On occasions, we find a whole rat downstairs under the table. Sometimes it would be a little devoured! Weird, gross... but ok!

As of about two weeks ago the cats started bringing the poor thing upstairs and enjoy the play in the bathroom where the thing would be gifted to us completely devoured.

A couple of nights ago as I entered the restroom around, 4 am I saw my kitty playing with the prey, and it would refuse to let go. The next thing followed with a crunch and... I donno..actually had to leave the bathroom.

Most times we find just guts, and sometimes we find parts and guts- it is hard to tell which one of our little house protector is responsible for which rat. 

We are in strong desire to re-train but still prays and reward our precious little carnivores for leaving the gifts in more appropriate locations, perhaps outside or and if necessary for us to see at least downstairs. 

Another question is, maybe there is some way we as owners are overseeing for our pets? 

Personality Profile:

Our cats are very independent; they enjoy cuddling whenever they desire and often sleep at the foot of the bed.

Yoda, a cat who was introduced second to the house, and lived in multiple locations throughout her life, as an outdoor and indoor cat, has a unique personality. She enjoys little to be picked up and scurries away in this seductive kind of a meow of annoyance and pleasure way. When she desires she is quite affectionate and enjoys curling up and purring. Sometimes there is a scratching of and biting the blanket, it's from childhood- kind of adorable!

Vera recently had a tail operation after a un-clear nightly battle with a mongoose perhaps. She has since become very affectionate and now enjoys attention, likes to be picked up and cuddled but for short periods of time. Then she usually comes back and settles herself near for more loving.

Aloe had disappeared about two months ago. Somber it be; he is the brother to Vera. 

If there is anyone out there who has information on how to train cats who like to bring gifts, we would much appreciate the directions of your wisdom.

Much Aloha,

Signing off

A&J
 

red top rescue

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I don't have any words of wisdom.  I finally removed the cat door after I came home one night to a livingroom totally full of feathers, a pair of legs and a beak.  I have a fully fenced acre which is wooded and mostly what they catch is lizards and yes, the occasional roof rat.  These end up on the back porch and I don't let them bring them inside, although I praise their hunting skills and thank them for the gifts. 
 
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