Gift of live shrew

[Waxlyrically]

My cat decided to show his love by bringing me a live shrew last night. It can't have been badly hurt as it was far too quick to catch (I've since read they bite so perhaps that was a good thing!) It has now taken up residence somewhere in the house, assuming D cat didn't find it in the night. There were no "remains" this morning though. I also left two humane traps set up and baited with muesli but they're both empty too. Cat has typically lost all interest and I'm currently sitting here with the doors ajar in the hope it will just run outside. Any tips on ensuring it, (the shrew not the cat), moves out greatly appreciated!

Shrews are carnivores, so maybe a change of bait might help? I have only ever been given dead ones, so not sure of live protocol!

I was given a shrew once, via the patio doors into the living room where there were lots of little hiding places.

It was generously placed on the floor in front of me, and promptly ran off. While I was keeping an eye on the gifter who for once lost interest and wandered away I missed seeing where it went.

I looked under and behind everything (I thought) and assumed it must have gone out. Until a while later we noticed a smell...and found a tiny decomposed body in a very inaccessible place.

They are so small it is easy to miss them hiding.

Several sightings last night by my teenage son, who is also nocturnal. It was apparently haring around whilst the bringer of the gift sprawled on the sofa disinterested. I've changed the bait in the traps to a mix of muesli, cat food, chocolate and cheese. Will have to see what this evening brings!

I hope you have rewarded dcat with salmon /prawns to thank him for your gift. .