Do cats eat mice? The answer may surprise you

Do cats really eat mice or is it just a story as old as time, from Tom and Jerry to Disney’s Lucifer, Jaq and Gus Cinderella. But are these fictional depictions realistic? It depends on the cat.

We spoke to cat behaviorist Ro Delrose Feline Fab in Chicago to learn about the real-life relationship between cats and mice, whether cats really hunt and eat small rodents, and whether getting a cat will solve the mouse problem in your home or business.

What is a mouse?

Have you ever heard of the term “mouse?” “Mouse” is simply an endearing nickname for cats that catch mice and rats. Pretty simple. The term is most appropriate for cats specifically adopted to catch mice in settings such as barns and farms, such as Delrose’s childhood farm.

“A big part of why I understand cats so well is that I grew up on a farm near Morris, Illinois,” says Delrose. “We had a corn farm, so we had a lot of field mice and more than 20 barn cats at our peak. I spent a lot of time with those cats catching them, watching them hunt and interact with each other.”

There is no special course that cats have to complete in order for the nickname “mouse” to be true. If your cat has hunted and caught even one mouse, you have a mouse.

Why do cats hunt?

Every cat has hunting instincts, whether it’s an indoor or outdoor cat. For them, hunting is a game, one of their favorite pastimes.

“From a cat’s perspective, (hunting) is mostly about how much fun it is,” says Delrose. “The interesting thing is that cats don’t necessarily have a kill instinct; they have a catch instinct. They probably won’t kill (a mouse) on purpose.”

What if my cat eats a mouse?

However, sometimes the cat will kill and eat a mouse, especially if they were once outdoor cats that had to hunt for their own food, Delrose adds. If your cat swallows a mouse, keep a close eye on them.

“While it’s completely normal for cats to eat mice and other rodents, it’s not without risk,” says Jenna Stregowski, RVT, Daily Paws Pet Health and Behavior Editor. “Potential hazards include pathogens (such as bacteria), parasitespesticides and injuries from eating bones and large pieces of cartilage.”

If you suspect your cat has eaten a mouse, watch out for:

Plus, you never know what that mouse was wearing before your cat caught up with it.

“All cats need routine parasite prevention, but it’s especially important for prey-eating cats,” says Stregowski.

Will mice stay away if I have cats?

Many people say adopting a cat is the key to dealing with mouse infestations. But is it true? Delrose says that having a feline friend or two can deter mice from hanging around your home.

“In Chicago, when the winter is really bad, the mice are willing to take a chance and wait until the cat is asleep,” says Delrose. “However, I think that’s less likely. In my current apartment, where I have three cats, the exterminator spent about three minutes checking for mice before noticing my cats and leaving.”

But even if you don’t have mice for your cat to chase away—which hopefully we all do—it’s vital that you satisfy her urge to hunt.

“The hunting instinct is so important to address in cats,” says Delrose. “If you don’t give them enough hunting, they will hunt their friends.”

How to curb unwanted hunting

According to Delrose, whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, one truth is universal.

“There are a million mischievous behaviors that stem from boredom in cats,” says Delrose. “If they’re bored and don’t have enough time to hunt, they might hunt a dog or you.” If you’re having trouble with a cat that bites you or attacks you seemingly out of nowhere, their hunting instinct is probably not being met properly.

The best way to prevent your cats from hunting housemates is to have a planned and structured playtime every day, preferably in the evening. “Leaving toys and using automatic toys is not enough,” says Delrose.

How to play with your cat properly

Delrose recommends following the three-round play method to ensure your cat’s needs are met.

“Having multiple bursts is how cats get most tired,” says Delrose. “Playtime and hunting time are different for cats compared to dogs and humans.”

Cats will play with a variety of toys, but if you want to activate those hunting instincts, a fake mouse toy or pulling almost anything on a string will do the trick. Delrose says to make realistic movements with whatever toy you choose to simulate a real hunt.

“Think of it like a good book, game, or movie. If you immerse your cat in playtime enough that he can suspend his disbelief, then he’ll feel the same pleasure.”

Here’s how the three rounds of the game play out.

First round

This round is the longest, about 15 minutes or however long it takes to wear your cat out.

“They will be breathing hard, cooling down and resting,” says Delrose. “Then they’ll be ready to go again.

Second round

This round is much shorter than the first, about five minutes. The second round ends when your kitty stops to rest again, showing the same behavior as the first round. Then, after a short rest period, prepare for the final round – the shortest of the three.

Third round

End your session with another minute or two of play followed by a treat or meal. Feeding your cat after playing, either with a few treats or theirs full dinner, is a very important and natural conclusion.

“It will make (your cat) feel like, ‘I went hunting and finally caught the prey and ate it,'” says Delrose.

This structured playtime can do wonders in curbing mischievous behavior. Cats are intelligent animals and will understand that playtime is the right time of day for mischief and play. Playtime is just as necessary as proper nutrition.

“When you understand what your pets need, they become more beautiful!” Delrose says.