The cat’s initially lackadaisical approach to his mousing duties led to speculation that his days Downing Street could be numbered.
I'd expect that. If you want a hunter, get a female.
Out in the country, our felines were not house cats. I never had to buy food for our momma cats or their young.
What I found out was that males would provide for themselves, but momma cats fed themselves and their young, and taught them how to hunt. "Mittens" would bring live field mice or baby rabbits in for her kittens to play with, kill, and eat. That's how boy cats learn to hunt for themselves, but they don't provide for or train their offspring.
Get a female barn cat who means business. IMHO
Thanks for the tip!
I have a little long-haired rescue kitty who’s a terrific mouser. Unfortunately, she likes to bring them in the house to play with. (We have a cat door so they can come & go as they please.) This is a big, old house with lots of nooks & crannies. At one time we were trying to trap seven of her little friends. We eventually got them all in those little glue traps & escorted them all back outside. She’s been a bit less industrious of late...happily.