well, perhaps Sprout is getting a bit long in the tooth, or perhaps mice aren't as much fun as they used to be, or perhaps the cat has decided that things that scurry are gross and revolting, and really wants things that flutter about... we have several cats, some of whom go for stuff on the floor, and some of them go for tings that fly. it shows that being at the bottom of the food chain really has a major downside.
good luck with your rodent problem!
(p.s. - I can't recommend shooting them: they breed faster than you can reload ... don't ask me how I know)
:cursing: