Why don't cats eat thrushes? - briefly
Cats typically avoid thrushes because these birds are agile and adept at escaping, making them less accessible prey compared to slower or more vulnerable animals.
Why don't cats eat thrushes? - in detail
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet primarily consists of meat, and they are natural hunters with instincts to catch small animals. However, the likelihood of a cat preying on a thrush, a type of songbird, depends on several factors. Cats typically hunt based on opportunity, accessibility, and ease of capture. Thrushes are agile, alert, and often inhabit environments that are less accessible to cats, such as dense foliage or higher branches. These birds are also known for their quick flight and evasive behavior, making them challenging targets for even the most skilled feline hunters. Additionally, cats tend to prefer prey that is smaller, slower, or more abundant, such as rodents or insects. While cats are capable of catching birds, thrushes are not a common or preferred target due to their behavior and habitat. Furthermore, domestic cats may have less exposure to thrushes if they are kept indoors or live in urban areas where these birds are less prevalent. In summary, the combination of the thrush's behavior, habitat, and the cat's hunting preferences explains why cats do not typically eat thrushes.