to rove or go about stealthily, as in search of prey, something to steal, etc.

to rove over or through in search of what may be found

The cat prowled the alleys in search of food.

act of prowling. ?

on the prowl

in the act of prowling; searching stealthily

The cat is on the prowl for mice.

verb

rush

verb

cruise , hunt , lurk , nose around , patrol , range , roam , rove , scavenge , skulk , slink , snake , sneak , stalk , steal , stroll , tramp , creep , glide , mouse , pussyfoot , slide , slip