A rivalry spanning thousands of years, the power struggle between cats and mice shows no sign of easing up. What is it that cats find so appealing about mice? And what do you do if your cat drops their rodent trophy on your pillow?
Humans may have domesticated cats as long as 4,000 years ago, according to National Geographic. At some point, someone must have noticed, that their cat companion was good at catching mice and realized the benefit of having cats around (besides their cute companionship). Soon, cats became hired hands, paid in the form of food and shelter by farmers and others who needed to keep rodents away. It's been a game of cat and mouse ever since.
Why Cats Are Attracted to Mice
Simply stated, mice are an easy target. Much like birds, another favorite feline prey, mice are the perfect size for little paws and don't put up much of a fight. Cats are pouncers who love to stalk their target and wear them down. They're also attracted to a mouse's flittering, skittering, unpredictable movement. A mouse treat satiates a cat's craving and desire for hunting.
My Cat Ate a Mouse! Now What?
When a cat catches a mouse, they can make quite a mess. When cleaning up the crime scene, wear gloves to protect against parasites. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends treating the affected area with disinfectant or a mixture of bleach and water and, if applicable, washing bedding in hot water.
Tasty Tips
Are There Health Concerns?
It is possible for your cat to contract an illness from eating a mouse. According to the Animal Medical Center, mice can be infected with roundworms, which they can then pass on to your cat. Mice can also carry the parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, which can transfer to cats and then transfer to humans via cat poop.
Cats who contract toxoplasmosis don't exhibit signs of the illness, note researchers at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. However, your cat's veterinarian can test their fecal matter to help rule out other infections, like roundworm.
Humans may not show signs of toxoplasmosis either, but if your cat has hunted recently and you have unexplained symptoms, such as a fever, muscle aches, a sore throat or vision problems, see your doctor right away. Thankfully, toxoplasmosis in humans and cats is treatable.
On the Hunt
Indoor cats are less likely to catch a mouse than outdoor cats, but it can happen. Your feline friend is hardwired for hunting, which is why your kitty sometimes attacks random objects like wads of paper or your feet.
Indulge your cat's predatory instinct with non-living prey. A mouse toy is a tried-and-true replacement, as is a battery-operated mouse that mimics the movements of the real thing. You can also make DIY cat toys with objects from around the house.
Cats and mice may never live in harmony, but you can help the situation by keeping your kitty indoors, supplying them with toys and engaging them in play. And if your cat ever does get hold of a mouse, it's always a good idea to have them checked by the vet.
Related products
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Salmon & Vegetable Medley Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory salmon and vegetables
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Vegetable Entrée canned cat food provides nutrition for optimal digestive & skin health.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Roasted Vegetable & Chicken Medley cat food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Multiple Benefit Chicken Recipe cat food
Supports ideal body weight for cats with different body types
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Vegetable & Chicken and Liver & Chicken
Feline Adult Perfect Weight Variety Pack
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Rice Recipe Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Ocean Fish Dinner cat food
Delectable chunks with tender ocean fish smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Perfect Weight Salmon & Vegetable Canned Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Chicken & Beef Dinner
Gourmet daily nutrition, carefully made. Tasty chunks with chicken & beef in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced chicken to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Beef Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of gourmet savory beef to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Vegetable Stew
Supports kitten growth, digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Grain Free Salmon & Yellow Peas Recipe cat food
Grain free, easy-to-digest food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult No Corn, Wheat, Soy Tender Tuna & Vegetables Stew cat food
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Tender Tuna Dinner Cat Food
Delectable chunks with tender tuna smothered in a rich gravy
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Salmon & Tuna Dinner
Carefully made, gourmet daily nutrition. Tasty chunks with Salmon & Tuna in a decadent gravy. Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of minced liver & chicken to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult 7+ Hairball Control cat food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken Recipe Cat Food
Supports lean muscle and beautiful fur for adult cats
Related articles
How to Live With Cat Allergies
Learn helpful tips and choices you can make for managing cat allergies, as well as which cat breeds might be a good choice for keeping allergies at bay.
Choosing the Best Kitten Food: What to Look For & Avoid
Learn how to identify the kitten food that best aligns with her nutritional needs, keeping her active and healthy as she grows into an adult cat.
Five Common Cat Digestive Problems
Discover some vet-recommended advice about some common cat digestive problems, including how to deal with upset stomachs, worms, hairballs, and more.
Can Cats Have Pumpkin? (& Is It Healthy?)
Learn whether or not its healthy for cats to eat pumpkin, how much would be an appropriate amount, and types of pumpkin that you might want to avoid.
The Tales Your Cat's Tail Tells
Your cat's tail can tell you about what's going on inside her head. Tails are good indicators of mood. Take a little time to observe your cat's behavior and you will start to get a feel of the tales the tail tell
Common Signs of a Healthy Cat
Learn the signs of a cat in good health, as well as abnormalities that you should consult your veterinarian on.
Do Cats Really Have Nine Lives?
Learn all about the ancient proverb of cats having nine lives, including its origins & where it came from, its meaning, and why the number nine was chosen.
Want to Foster Cats? Here's What You Should Know
Want to foster cats or kittens in your home? Learn the steps to take to become a cat foster parent, as well as helpful advice from a long-time foster mom.
Cat Diabetes: Symptoms & Treatment
Learn from a Veterinarian: Discover the underlying causes, typical symptoms and possible treatments for both type 1 and type 2 of diabetes in cats.
Can Cats See TV?
Do cats actually watch TV when they're chilling out on the couch with you? Learn more about how cats engage with and react to electronic screens.
Foods that are Dangerous or Toxic to Cats
Many human foods are dangerous to cats. Read about 5 of the worst toxic food offenders that can kill your cat - and how much it takes to hurt them.
What Is a Cat's Primordial Pouch?
What is a cat's primordial pouch? You may be surprised to know that it's a natural part of your kitty's biological makeup! Read on to learn more.
Explaining Your Cat's Greeting
Learn about the different types of greetings cats can show you, such as head butting or slow blinking, and how to interpret each of her signals.
10 Important Health Tips for Senior Cats
Read our Top 10 Health Tips for your senior or aging cat, specifically tailored for the special health needs of a mature cat.
Why Do Cats Try to Eat Plastic?
You may wonder why your cat loves chewing & eating all kinds of plastic. Find out why she's fascinated by these items and what you can do to discourage it.
Your Cat in Heat: What You Need to Know
Puppy, kitten and pet dieting, cat nutrition and dog nutrition information from Hill's Pet
How to Read a Cat Food Label
Learn important things to look for on a cat food label, such as the difference between ingredients & nutrients, and how it can help you pick a cat food.
How to Tell If Your Cat Is Lonely
Do cats get lonely? What can you do to help? Learn some common signs to tell if your cat is lonely and steps you can take to try and cheer them up.
Cat Travel Checklist: All the Things You Need
Going on vacation? Use this cat travel checklist to make sure you've got all her important supplies, such as food, toys & her vet info, for your trip.
Top 5 Tips For You After Adopting a New Cat
Adopting a cat feels like an easy choice, but ensuring their comfort takes preparation. Follow these tips for a lifetime of love with your new cat.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.