Hints From Heloise

Mon., March 18, 1996

King Features Syndicate

Dear Heloise: I have a great cat. She’s about 4 years old and is kept in the house with plenty of food and love.

I let her out a little each day for some fresh air and exercise, but I think I’m going to stop that because she comes home with a little creature almost every day. It’s either a mouse or a bird and I hate to see that.

Why does she do that when she is well fed and doesn’t need to hunt? - Mary Sue, San Antonio

Hunting is a strong instinct cats are born with and it doesn’t seem to make any difference how well fed your kitty is.

When she hunts and brings a little creature to you, she considers you one of her family and is giving you a gift of love and nourishment! The experts say this is an example of feline maternal instincts.

Most of us really feel bad seeing those poor little creatures, but cats aren’t mean - that’s just part of their nature. - Heloise

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