Why Don Cats Eat Shrews?
Domestic cats regularly kill shrews but apparently never eat them, presumably because they are unpalatable as a consequence of the scent glands on the flanks. How do I know if there are shrews in my garden? Surface runs used by small mammals can be easily located along grass verges, hedgerows, alongside walls, etc. However, these runs invariably shield their occupants from view. Apart from casualties of feline depredations, shrews are more often heard than seen. Shrews (particularly common shrews) emit piercing shrieks upon encountering conspecifics, and these may be repeated until one or other shrew retreats. Since shrews may be less careful about remaining under cover during aggressive encounters, or when fleeing from them, this provides a good opportunity to see them. Pygmy shrews make similar noises to common shrews and probably only a close-up view will enable positive identification to species. How many types of shrew are there in Britain? Six. These are divided into two groups,
