Yes, cats eat mice. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they are designed to eat meat. In the wild, cats have to hunt for food, which includes smaller mammals like mice. Cats also eat other small mammals, rats, birds, moles, shrews, rabbits, lizards, snakes, and large insects.
Cats engage in playful behavior with their food in order to refine their hunting abilities. An optimal feline diet would consist of consuming approximately five to six mice on a daily basis. Mice have a protein content of 48 percent, a carbohydrate content of 5 percent, and provide around 48 kcal per mouse.
When a cat captures a mouse, it has the potential to create disorder. In order to effectively sanitize the crime scene, it is advisable to use gloves as a precautionary measure against potential infestation by parasites. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises utilizing disinfectant or a solution of bleach and water to treat the affected region. If relevant, you have the option to launder bedding using hot water.
The Natural Behavior of Cats
Cats are carnivores, meaning they eat meat. They have evolved to hunt and kill their own food, using their sharp teeth, claws, and agility. Cats also have excellent senses of sight, hearing, and smell, which help them locate and track their prey.
Hunting is not only a way for cats to get food, but also a form of play and exercise. Cats enjoy the thrill of the chase and the satisfaction of catching their prey. Hunting also stimulates their brain and keeps them mentally and physically healthy.
Some cats may hunt more than others, depending on their personality, breed, and environment. Indoor cats may hunt less than outdoor cats, because they have less access to natural prey. However, indoor cats can still satisfy their hunting instinct by playing with toys, such as balls, feathers, and laser pointers.
Potential Risks of Cats Eating Mice
While hunting is a natural and beneficial behavior for cats, eating mice can pose some risks and dangers for them. Here are some of the potential problems that cats may face if they eat mice:
- Parasites and Diseases: Mice can carry various parasites and diseases that can infect cats, such as fleas, ticks, worms, bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Some of these infections can cause serious illness and even death in cats, such as rabies, toxoplasmosis, salmonella, and leptospirosis. Cats can also transmit these infections to humans and other animals, posing a public health risk.
- Pesticides and Toxins: Mice can ingest pesticides and toxins that are used to control rodent populations, such as rat poison, anticoagulants, and bromethalin. These substances can accumulate in the mouse’s body and be passed on to the cat that eats it. Pesticides and toxins can cause severe poisoning and damage to the cat’s organs, such as the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. Symptoms of poisoning include bleeding, seizures, paralysis, and coma.
- Bone Ingestion and Other Hazards: Mice have small bones that can splinter and pierce the cat’s mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines. This can cause pain, bleeding, infection, and obstruction in the cat’s digestive tract. Cats can also choke on the mouse’s fur, tail, or other parts, which can block their airway and cause suffocation.
Signs to Look Out For if Your Cat Consumed a Mouse
If you suspect that your cat has eaten a mouse, you should monitor their health and behavior closely. Some of the signs that your cat may have consumed a mouse are:
- Changes in Behavior: Your cat may act differently after eating a mouse, such as being lethargic, restless, aggressive, or hiding. They may also show signs of pain, discomfort, or distress, such as meowing, hissing, or growling.
- Vomiting or Diarrhea: Your cat may vomit or have diarrhea after eating a mouse, which can indicate an upset stomach, an infection, or poisoning. The vomit or stool may contain blood, bones, fur, or other mouse parts. Vomiting or diarrhea can also cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in your cat, which can be dangerous if left untreated.
- Loss of Appetite: Your cat may lose their appetite after eating a mouse, which can be a sign of nausea, pain, or illness. They may also have difficulty swallowing or chewing, due to mouth or throat injuries. Loss of appetite can lead to weight loss and malnutrition in your cat, which can affect their immune system and overall health.
