Cleo’s Crusade: The Purr-fect Predator in the Flies’ Worst Nightmare
Living with Two Indoor Cats in London
Kyro and Cleo are hunting on the big screen! [Image by Hadinet Tekie]
Living in the heart of London, my days are filled with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but my sanctuary is my flat — a cosy, warm space where my two beloved cats, Kyro and Cleo, reign supreme. As a passionate cat lover, I find myself constantly fascinated by their quirky behaviours, especially Cleo’s uncanny ability to transform from a peaceful napper to a fierce hunter in seconds.
Cleo’s hunting adventures, particularly her obsession with chasing flies around the flat, have become a daily source of entertainment and admiration. I wanted to share her story — how she’s a tiny warrior, the fly’s worst nightmare, and how I’ve learned to appreciate her instincts even in our small London home.
Cleo’s Hunting Spirit: The Queen of Flies
There’s something truly remarkable about Cleo’s hunting instinct. When a fly dares to invade our living space, she instantly becomes a different cat — focused, alert, and full of determination.
From the moment she spots a fly, her alertness is palpable. Her eyes narrow, her ears perk up, and suddenly, she’s a tiny predator, ready to seize her prey. Her trilling is like a call to action to all in the home. A fly is here, she trills! It’s as if a switch flips inside her, and in a millisecond, she shifts from a calm, sleeping feline to a fierce hunter.
And trust me — her skills are impressive for such a small cat. I’ve watched her crouch low, tail twitching, muscles tense, patiently waiting for the perfect moment to strike. It doesn't matter how long she'll have to wait. She will wait. When she finally springs into action, it’s like witnessing a ninja in fluffy paws.
My Personal POV: The Fascination of Watching Cleo in Action
Living in London means I spend a lot of time at home — and, honestly, I find myself fascinated by Cleo’s hunting skills. It’s like she’s part of a secret feline society where every fly is a worthy opponent.
Her agility and focus remind me how much instinct is still alive in indoor cats. I love watching her crouch, stalk, and pounce — it’s a reminder of her wild ancestry, even in a tiny London flat.
Cleo’s hunting spirit also makes me proud. Her instinctual drive to chase and catch is a natural, healthy part of being a cat. And it’s such a joy to see her thrive in her environment, turning even the simplest fly into a thrilling adventure. Kyro also partakes, don't get me wrong. Unfortunately, my sweet boy is always a 'paw too late' when it comes to his prey.
The Transformation: From Fully Asleep to Fierce Warrior
Sleeping Beauty [Image by Pixabay]
What amazes me most is her sudden transformation from a deep sleep to a fierce hunting machine. One moment, she’s snoozing peacefully, and the next, her ears are perked up, tail twitching, eyes locked on an unseen target.
It’s almost comical how she can be so relaxed one second, then an absolute predator the next. The speed at which she shifts gears is nothing short of extraordinary. I often wonder if she’s secretly a superhero in disguise — perhaps her superpower is her ability to switch from zen to warrior in a heartbeat.
How I Support Cleo’s Natural Hunting Instincts
As much as I love having her as a calm indoor cat, I also want to nurture her natural hunting instinct. Here’s what I do to keep her engaged and happy while respecting her wild side:
- Interactive toys: I give her toys that mimic prey, like feather wands or laser pointers, which allow her to chase and pounce in a safe environment. (Paid Ad)
- Puzzle feeders: These keep her mentally stimulated, providing a challenge that taps into her hunting drive. (Paid Ad)
- Safe outdoor windows: A perch by the window gives her a constant stream of flies and birds, satisfying her curiosity and hunting urges without leaving the flat. (Paid Ad)
- Playtime routines: Regular, scheduled play sessions help her burn energy and reduce her obsession with flies.
Living in a London Flat: The Fly’s Worst Nightmare
London’s old buildings, with their squeaky window frames and charming cracks, are practically fly magnets. So, flies are a common intruder in my flat, and Cleo takes her role as the bug hunter very seriously.
Most days, I find her crouched in a corner, tail flicking, eyes glued to the fly’s tiny movements. When she finally pounces, it’s like a scene from a wildlife documentary — quick, precise, and utterly adorable.
Her persistence is incredible. Even if she misses the first few attempts, she keeps trying — a true warrior in her tiny frame.
What Cleo’s Hunting Tactics Teach Me
Watching Cleo in her element has taught me a lot about resilience, patience, and focus. She doesn’t give up easily — her drive to catch flies is relentless, and her success rate is high enough to inspire me daily.
Her hunting spirit reminds me that instinct is a powerful force in our pets. It’s essential to give them outlets for those natural drives, even in an urban environment like London.
On the hunt... [Image by Pixabay]
Living with a Hunter: How I Balance Her Needs and Peace
While I love her instincts, I also want to maintain peace in our flat. So, I balance her hunting urges with calming activities and safe play.
- I ensure she has plenty of stimulation — toys, window perches, and interactive play.
- I let her indulge in her fly-chasing while gently redirecting her if she starts to get too obsessed or aggressive.
- I reward her for calm behaviour, helping her associate being relaxed with good things. (Paid Ad)
It’s a delicate dance, but one that’s worth every effort for her happiness and our harmony.
Final Thoughts: Celebrating Cleo’s Wild Spirit
Cleo’s ability to switch from a peaceful napper to a fierce hunter in a second is one of the many reasons I adore her. Her hunting spirit, especially when chasing flies around our London flat, reminds me daily of her wild ancestry and the importance of nurturing her instincts.
As cat owners, it’s a privilege to watch these tiny warriors in action, and it’s our job to support them with love, patience, and safe outlets for their energy.
If you have a little hunter at home, embrace their wild side — it makes them uniquely special. Thanks for sharing in my story of Cleo, the fly’s worst nightmare, and the heart of our little London family.
For more insight and fun facts, check out my other blogs!
Warm Disclaimer: I am not a veterinarian. This post shares my personal experiences and observations. If your cat has persistent health issues or aggressive hunting behaviour, please consult your veterinarian for professional advice.
