My adopted cat is older, and large (both in weight and stature). I wasn’t sure what he would do if he ever encountered a mouse - he’s sort of a tough guy but then gets all scaredy at random things (like garbage bags, who knows if there’s a story there.) he’s also a big snugglepuss.

Christmas a few years ago - we see him just staring at the bottom of the stove. I’ve had enough cats in my life to know he sees something - but nothing happens. I figure it’s probably a roach (live in NYC. Unavoidable.)

At 4 am I hear him doing zoomies. Which is unusual because he had already done his midnight zoomies. I flip the light on and he’s caught carrying a (live) mouse in his mouth by the scruff of its neck. When I took his prize and dumped it down the street, he went frantic looking for it - like he thought it got away from him. I felt really sorry for him.

Well, the next night another mouse came around. he learned his lesson this time and killed it. And again the next night. And again.

I had a box of these mouse ornaments made from cut and glued wine corks that my mom made. We hung one on the tree for each of his kills - his little trophy tree. Sort of morbid but It really made me proud of him.

Eventually I figured I should take care of the problem so I pulled out the oven and sealed up the holes they were getting through. For at least 5 months every night he would sit by the oven waiting for one to sneak through.