By the age of 4 or 5 weeks, the physical skills of domestic kittens have progressed to the point where their play exhibits all of the energy and techniques of the hunt, complete with high-speed chases and pouncing. Around this time, if the mother is allowed to go outdoors, she may bring home dead prey to present to the litter. The sight and smell of the prey often triggers an innate reaction in kittens, causing them to become focused and considerably more aggressive. As the kittens mature, the mother will offer them stunned or injured prey, introducing live prey once they are weaned, to stimulate their interest and provide them with the opportunity to develop their killing skills.

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