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
Adult Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entrée Cat Food
Natural fiber comfortably reduces hairballs
Adult 7+ Tender Chicken Dinner Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
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.
Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Related articles
Fun Games for Exercising Your Cat | Hill's Pet
Discover which cat toys games your feline friend might like, and how they are great sources of exercise. Explore our library of articles to learn more.
Cat Training: How to Train Your Cat the Easy Way
Discover how to train your cat, starting with very basic first steps that both reward good behavior and discourage the bad.
Things to Consider When Adopting a Cat from an Animal Shelter
When you adopt a cat, you don't just gain a best friend; you also save her life. Here's why getting a cat from a local animal shelter makes so much sense.
Training Your Kitten to Use the Litter Box
Cats are naturally very clean and chances are your kitten will already have learned how to use the litter box from her mother before she comes to live with you.
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.