Cats as rodent repellents: Truth behind the myth explored by an authority on feline behavior

Cats, being obligate carnivores, have a strong ethological need to hunt small prey, including mice. However, their desire to hunt can vary greatly between individuals, influenced by factors such as genetics, environment, and early socialization.

Cats like Maine Coons and Bengals, known for their high predatory drive and exceptional hunting skills, may exhibit a strong inclination to hunt mice. On the other hand, every cat is unique, and not all cats have a strong inclination to hunt mice. Some may prefer hunting birds, reptiles, or insects instead.

If a cat eats a mouse, there is a risk of them ingesting toxins, pesticides, or rodent poisons. It's important to monitor your cat's diet and contact a vet if the cat shows signs of irritation, swelling, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, or lethargy. Kittens, elderly cats, and those with a weakened immune system are more susceptible to severe problems from rodent-borne diseases or parasites.

Rodents can carry intestinal worms, mites, ticks, and fleas that can infest cats. To prevent this, it's important to keep up-to-date with routine antiparasitic treatments.

Mice can transmit diseases to cats, including salmonella, cowpox, toxoplasmosis, leptospirosis, tularemia, yersinia pestis, and hantavirus. To minimise the risk, eliminate access to food by storing it in airtight containers and regularly cleaning up crumbs and spills.

In addition, growing marigolds and petunias near entry points may keep mice at bay, while strong scents of certain herbs and spices, such as cedarwood essential oil, can act as a natural rodent deterrent.

Sealing cracks, holes, and gaps with steel wool, copper mesh, caulk, or expanding foam insulation can also help deter mice from entering your home. The presence of a cat can deter mice due to an inherent aversion to the smell of cat urine, but mice may hide to avoid encountering a feline foe.

Cats will normally hunt many times throughout the day, though less than 50% of their hunts are likely to be successful. If all else fails, use a humane trap to catch and relocate a mouse.

It's interesting to note that African wildcats, the ancestors of domestic cats, were attracted to early farming settlements due to the large numbers of mice. Mice infected with the single-celled parasite toxoplasma gondii may lose their aversion to feline urine and be attracted to cat odors.

In conclusion, while cats may exhibit a natural inclination to hunt mice, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to protect both your cat and your home from rodents and the diseases they carry.

Cats as rodent repellents: Truth behind the myth explored by an authority on feline behavior