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 7+ Senior Vitality Chicken & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Improves Everyday Ability to Get Up & Go
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Liver & Chicken Entrée
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+ Savory Turkey Entrée Cat Food
Delicious taste of gourmet minced turkey in precisely balanced nutrition. Provide a synergistic ingredient blend to help support energy & activity level.
Hill's Science Diet Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Canned Cat Food Variety Pack, Chicken & Beef, Salmon & Tuna 2.8 oz. pouch, 12 pack
These irresistible foods are specially formulated to support digestive health, nourish skin & promote a lustrous coat.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Savory Entrée Can Variety Pack Cat Food
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Cat Food
Highly digestible food that is gentle on the stomach. Nourishes skin & promotes lustrous fur.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Tender Dinner Pouch Variety Pack Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Kitten No Corn, Wheat, Soy Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe
Supports healthy brain, eye & immune system development
Hill's Science Diet Adult Hairball Control Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition to help avoid the formation of hairballs with the delicious taste of savory minced ocean fish
Hill's Science Diet Kitten Healthy Cuisine Tender Chicken & Rice Medley
Delicious tender chicken and rice in a mouthwatering sauce with precisely balanced nutrition to support 5 essential building blocks for lifelong health
Hill's Science Diet Adult Turkey & Liver Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Sensitive Stomach & Skin Duck & Vegetable Entrée Cat Food
Supports digestive health, nourishes skin and promotes a lustrous fur
Hill's Science Diet Adult Chicken & Spinach Casserole Cat Food
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Hill's Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Vegetable & Turkey Medley Cat Food
Over 70% of cats lost weight within 10 weeks when fed this nutrition
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 Savory Salmon Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition with the delicious taste of savory minced salmon to help fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life
Hill's Science Diet Adult Indoor Ocean Fish Entrée Cat Food
Precisely balanced nutrition for indoor cats with the delicious taste of savory minced seafood
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
With delicious chunks in a decadent gravy
Related articles
When Are Cats Full-Grown?
Learn key signs to tell if your kitten is reaching cat adulthood, including life stage specifics and special considerations for gender, breed & more
Understanding & Managing Congestive Heart Failure in Cats
Learn about congestive heart failure in cats, including most common symptoms and complications, treatment options and whether it can be prevented.
Why Does My Cat Yowl at Night?
Cats can be quite chatty, especially at night when their yowling can keep even heavy sleepers awake. Learn tips for how to deal with her nighttime noises.
Preparing Your Cat for a New Baby
Learn how your cat's behavior might change if you bring a newborn baby into the home and how you can keep both baby and cat safe.
How Many Cat Breeds Are There?
Learn how the history behind different registries of cat breeds, how each registry differs in their classifications, and if new breeds are accepted.
Signs of a Rabid Cat and What to Do If Your Pet Is Exposed
Learn important information about rabies in cats, including how it's transmitted, common signs of infection and steps for preventing infection in your cat.
Everything You Need to Know About Cat Tongues
Why does your cat's tongue feels so rough? Why does their tongue hang out of their mouth sometimes? Learn fun and interesting info about your cat's tongue.
Leaving a Cat Home Alone: How Long is Safe?
Concerned about leaving a cat home alone? Considering if she's a kitten or senior cat and her relationship with you can help you decide how long is safe.
Keeping Your Cat's Mouth Healthy
Learn how to brush your cat's teeth vs. having a professional cleaning done, as well as common signs that she might have an oral health problem.
Cat Diabetes: Symptoms & Treatment
Learn how to recognize the signs of cat diabetes, how it can affect her health, and how treatments like insulin injections can help manage this disease.
Rehoming a Cat: Tips for Finding a New Home
Learn situations which might necessitate rehoming a cat, as well as tips for researching new homes and how to prepare a cat for a new forever home.
Understanding Ailurophobia: The Fear of Cats
Learn the history and symptoms of ailurophobia, or the fear of cats, and how to help people who suffer from this condition.
What Types of Litter, Food & Supplies Are Safe for Kittens?
Learn which types of products and supplies are safest for your kitten, including specific kinds of litter, food, shampoo, carriers, collars and toys.
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
Can Cats Have Schizophrenia?
Can cats have schizophrenia? Maybe, but it's more likely feline hyperesthesia syndrome.
Can Cats Eat Eggs?
Discover whether or not your cat can eat eggs and what the benefits or potential hazards are if she does.
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.
Making a DIY Cat-Proof Toilet Paper Holder
Here's a simple, cost-effective way to create a DIY cat-proof toilet paper holder cover that keeps your feline friend from destroying your TP.
Feline Pancreatitis: What You Need to Know
Learn from a veterinarian: How to spot the serious signs of feline pancreatitis, emergency care, and what kind of diet to feed her while she's recovering.
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.