Typical Cat Hunting Behavior
Cats are natural hunters with strong predatory instincts ingrained in their biology. According to the International Cat Care organization [1], cats are obligate carnivores and skilled predators that have evolved behaviors to effectively kill prey like mice, birds and small reptiles. Their natural behavior is to hunt, regardless of whether they’re hungry or well-fed at home.
A major component of cats’ hunting behavior is the “stalk and pounce” technique. As Purina explains [2], this involves first locating potential prey, then crouching low to the ground and slowly sneaking up or “stalking” their target. When close enough, the cat will pounce to capture their prey with their forepaws and deliver a lethal neck bite. This technique allows cats to get within striking distance before prey detects them.
Killing prey like mice may satisfy innate urges and provide mental stimulation. Well-fed domestic cats still readily kill small animals that cross their path outside or even inside the home. Their strong hunting drive means they often kill even when they don’t necessarily eat what they’ve caught.
Why Cats Hunt
Cats are natural hunters and have strong predatory instincts. Hunting serves multiple purposes for cats.
One main reason cats hunt is for food and nutrients. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need meat in their diet to survive1. Hunting allows feral and outdoor cats to find sources of protein and fat in prey like rodents, birds and insects. Even when fed by owners, the primal drive to hunt for food remains strong in domestic cats.
Cats also hunt for entertainment and to satisfy innate instincts. Stalking prey allows cats to carry out natural behaviors of chasing, pouncing and killing. The enrichment of hunting stimulates cats mentally and provides an outlet for energy. This predatory play is a form of feline entertainment, especially for indoor cats without other stimulation2.
Do Cats Eat What They Kill?
Many people assume that when a cat kills an animal like a mouse or bird, they will eat it afterwards. However, the reality is more complex. According to a study from the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, cats do not actually consume all or even most of the prey they kill1. In many cases, cats may only eat a portion of their catch or nothing at all.
So why do cats go through the trouble of hunting and killing prey if they don’t always eat it? Experts believe it is due to their natural hunting instincts. As predators, cats feel internally motivated and rewarded for stalking and catching prey even if they are not hungry. The act of killing triggers their predatory wiring.
However, that doesn’t mean cats never eat what they kill. While the percentage varies, research shows that cats do consume at least part of their prey in many cases2. Some key factors that determine if a cat will eat its catch include how recently it has eaten, the size and type of prey, and the individual cat’s preferences. Well-fed house cats may be less inclined to eat their catches than hungry strays.
So in summary, cats don’t always eat their prey after killing, but they often do consume all or part of it. Their motivation is primarily instinctual rather than nutritional. Understanding this complex prey drive can help cat owners manage their pet’s hunting behaviors.
Nutritional Value of Mice for Cats
Mice can provide cats with high-quality protein and fat when consumed in moderation. According to nutritional analysis by veterinarian experts, mice contain about 22% protein and 9% fat, making them a good source of nutrients for cats.
The protein in mice comes primarily from their muscles and organs. Mouse protein has all the essential amino acids cats require in their diet. The fat content also provides a concentrated source of energy.
However, mice should not make up the entirety of a cat’s diet. According to veterinarians, mice lack adequate levels of certain vitamins and minerals cats need for long-term health, like calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin E. It’s recommended cats also receive balanced commercial food or supplements to avoid nutritional deficiencies.
Mice alone are not a complete and balanced meal for cats. But as an occasional component of a cat’s diet, mice can provide beneficial nutrition and satisfy a cat’s natural hunting instinct in moderation.
Risks of Eating Wild Mice
There are some significant health risks for cats that eat wild mice. Mice can expose cats to parasites and diseases that can make them ill. According to Veterinary Emergency Group, mice can transmit parasites like tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, and toxoplasmosis to cats when ingested. These parasites attack the gastrointestinal system and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and abdominal pain.
Wild mice may also carry dangerous infectious diseases like salmonellosis, leptospirosis, lymphocytic choriomeningitis, tularemia, and plague. Contracting any of these illnesses from eating mice can lead to fever, lethargy, neurological issues, liver and kidney failure, and even death in cats if left untreated.
In addition, wild mice could have consumed rodenticides or other toxic chemicals like pesticides before being caught by a cat. Rodent poisons contain potent anticoagulants that prevent blood clotting and lead to uncontrollable bleeding disorders in cats who eat poisoned mice. according to a Animal Humane Society article. The toxins can bioaccumulate and become fatal over time after multiple exposures.
How to Stop Cat from Hunting Mice
The best ways to stop a cat from hunting mice and other small animals is to provide adequate nutrition at home, distract them with interactive toys and playtime, and use pheromones or repellents.
Cats have a strong natural instinct to hunt. However, well-fed domestic cats may still hunt, but are less likely to eat what they kill. Make sure your cat is getting a complete and balanced diet so they are not hunting out of hunger. Wet food or a raw food diet can help satisfy a cat’s primal need to “catch” prey. [1]
Engage your cat’s predatory drive in positive ways. Provide interactive cat toys that simulate hunting, like wand toys, balls, and treat puzzles. Schedule regular interactive playtime to satisfy your cat’s need for activity. This will distract them from going after live prey. [2]
Use pheromones like Feliway to help calm hunting behavior. Deterrent sprays containing citrus or mint oils may also deter cats from bringing home mice and other prey. Just be sure they are safe if ingested by cats. [3]
Safe Alternatives to Live Prey
While cats have a natural instinct to hunt prey like mice, it’s best for both the safety of your cat and for humane reasons to provide alternatives to live prey. There are many engaging toys and activities that can satisfy your cat’s prey drive. Here are some great options:
Battery-operated toys that move unpredictably to mimic prey are a great way to engage your cat’s natural stalking and pouncing instincts. Popular examples include feather wand toys, rattle mice, caterpillars, and pom poms, as well as anything your cat can chase like balls or toy mice. Try dragging or bouncing these across the floor to trigger your cat’s prey drive.
Puzzles like treat balls and food dispensers can give your cat an mental challenge while rewarding their hunting efforts with tasty snacks. This engages natural foraging behaviors. Start simple and work up to more complex puzzles to keep your cat engaged. You can also hide treats around the house for your cat to seek out.
Rotating a variety of interactive toys keeps your cat from getting bored with the same old options. Try introducing new toys and puzzle games every couple weeks to keep their interest. With regular playtime and environmental enrichment, you can satisfy your cat’s prey drive without live mice.
Outdoor Safety for Cats
When allowing cats outdoors, supervision and containment are key to keeping them safe. Consider creating an enclosed “catio” area or using a leash and harness to restrict your cat’s wandering range (source). This allows your cat to experience the outdoors without the risks of roaming freely.
Even supervised outdoor cats can escape or get lost at times. Ensure your cat always wears a collar with an ID tag listing your contact information. Microchipping is also recommended as a backup means of identification if the collar is lost (source). Check that the microchip is registered and your contact details are current.
Avoid allowing unsupervised wandering, especially at night. Set limits on your cat’s outdoor time to minimize risks (source). With some precautions, it’s possible to allow your cat outdoors safely.
Humane Mouse Control
The most effective form of mouse control is to prevent mice from entering your home in the first place. Carefully inspect your home for any cracks or holes where mice may enter, especially around the foundation, windows, doors, attic, and areas where utilities enter the house. Use weather stripping, copper mesh, concrete, or metal kick plates to seal any entry points into the house.
It’s also important to tidy up any food sources inside and outside the home that may attract mice. Make sure human and pet food is securely stored in chew-proof, airtight containers. Clean up any spilled food or grease throughout the kitchen. Store your garbage securely in rodent-proof bins and take it out frequently. Pick up fallen fruit from trees and clear away any brush or debris that provides shelter or nesting spots for mice.
As a last resort, humane traps may be used to capture and remove mice from your home. Live traps allow the mice to be released into the wild unharmed. Make sure to check and empty the traps frequently. It’s most humane to dispatch trapped mice quickly with carbon dioxide gas or cervical dislocation by trained personnel. Avoid relocating mice long distances, as they likely won’t survive released far from their natural territory.
Feral Cats and Pest Control
Feral cats can help control rodent populations in some cases. When cats are spayed/neutered and returned to an urban environment through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) programs, they establish stable colonies that act as natural pest control by hunting and killing rodents like mice and rats.
According to https://www.vftafoundation.org/cat_rat_facts, feral cats are an eco-friendly form of pest control that can minimize rodent infestations in cities and other populated areas. Their predation helps keep rodent breeding and populations in check.
However, some wildlife experts argue that feral cats are not an effective long-term urban rodent control solution. Rats in particular have adapted to predation and can sustain stable populations even with cats hunting them, according to https://wildlife.org/rats-feral-cats-fail-at-urban-rodent-control/. Feral cat colonies need to be carefully managed through TNR to avoid overpopulation and the spread of disease.
While feral cats can help control mice and possibly rats in some urban environments, the most effective rodent control relies on eliminating food sources, sealing up entry points, and implementing preventative measures against infestation. Feral cat colonies should be just one potential component of an integrated pest management plan.
