3 Easy Ways To Get Your Cat To Catch More Mice!

Having trouble with pesky mice invading your home? Put your feline friend to work and utilize their natural nstincts to solve the problem! Growing up, we always had several cats around who brought us some beautiful “presents” from outside.

Cats have been always been notorious for their ability to catch mice throughout history, providing an efficient and natural method to keep those unwanted rodents at bay. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind a cat’s hunting skills, learn how to choose the right cat breed for catching mice and provide helpful tips on training your feline companion to become a proficient mouser!

Before getting too deep, it’s essential to understand that not all cats have the same hunting capabilities.

Some breeds, such as Siamese and Manx, are known for their vigorous energy levels and love for hunting small rodents. With the right approach, your cat (regardless of species) can become an excellent ally in eliminating your mouse problem, without resorting to chemicals or traps. Moreover, observing your cat’s hunting skills in action can be a fascinating experience, offering a glimpse into their natural instincts and ancestry!

Now, let’s dive into selecting the right breed, training, and science of a cat’s hunting skills.

Why Cats Love To Catch Mice

Cats are natural-born predators, with their sharp senses and agile bodies often making them perfect hunters!

Having a cat with a strong hunting instinct can most certainly help keep mice populations at bay. Did you know that cats are descendants of wild feline species? These ancestors gave them the skills to become formidable mouse catchers!

Hunting Abilities

Cats possess various abilities that make them expert mouse hunters. For example, their whiskers function as a sensory system, helping them navigate tight spaces in pursuit of mice. Additionally, cats have:

• Retractable claws for quick and efficient hunting.
• Flexible bodies to maneuver easily.
• Night vision to spot mice during nocturnal hunts.
• Silent steps that allow for stealth.

Of course, not all cats possess the same level of hunting prowess, and some breeds may be more proficient at catching mice than others, such as Siamese, Manx, Maine Coon, and Domestic Shorthair cats.

Sometimes your cat may not catch mice, we have an article about why they may not be!

Obligate Carnivores

Cats are considered obligate carnivores, meaning their diet consists primarily of animal proteins. This physiological need for meat drives their instinctive desire to hunt! So, you can trust your feline friend when it comes to catching mice around your home.

Now that you understand your cat’s natural hunting instinct, why it’s good for them to catch mice, and what to do if they succeed, it’s time to keep an eye on your furry friend as they patrol your home for pesky intruders – just remember to give them a well-deserved treat for their hard work (other than the mouse!)

Knowing The Best Mouse Catching Cat Breeds (Best Mousers)

While many cat species LOVE mice, here’s a few that really, really do!

Looking for a feline friend to help rid your home of pesky mice? We’ve rounded up some of the best breeds for the job! Among these purrfect mousers are the Siamese, Manx, Maine Coon, Siberian, Japanese Bobtail, Turkish Angora, Chartreux, Persians, Burmese, American Shorthair, Bengals, Abyssinian, Russian Blue, and of course, the ever-vigilant Chartreux cat and Chausie.

I’ve created a quick table for you to reference with a BUNCH of different cat breeds so you can get a good idea for where yours stands and if it would be a good mouser:

Breed	Reputation as Mousers	Adult Size	Indoor/Outdoor Preference
American Shorthair	Excellent	8-15 lbs	Indoor/Outdoor
Maine Coon	Excellent	10-25 lbs	Indoor/Outdoor
Siamese	Excellent	8-15 lbs	Indoor
Abyssinian	Excellent	8-12 lbs	Indoor/Outdoor
Norwegian Forest Cat	Good	10-16 lbs	Indoor/Outdoor
Scottish Fold	Moderate	9-13 lbs	Indoor
Bengal	Excellent	10-15 lbs	Indoor/Outdoor
Russian Blue	Excellent	7-15 lbs	Indoor
British Shorthair	Moderate	9-18 lbs	Indoor
Savannah	Excellent	12-25 lbs	Indoor/Outdoor
Turkish Van	Moderate	9-16 lbs	Indoor/Outdoor
Siberian	Excellent	15-20 lbs	Indoor/Outdoor
Cornish Rex	Moderate	6-10 lbs	Indoor
Persian	Excellent	7-12 lbs	Indoor
Ragdoll	Low	10-20 lbs	Indoor
Sphynx	Moderate	6-12 lbs	Indoor
Birman	Low	8-12 lbs	Indoor
Exotic Shorthair	Moderate	7-14 lbs	Indoor
Manx	Excellent	8-12 lbs	Indoor/Outdoor
Chartreux	Excellent	6-16 lbs	Indoor/Outdoor
Burmese	Excellent	6-14 lbs	Indoor
Oriental	Good	8-12 lbs	Indoor
Devon Rex	Moderate	5-10 lbs	Indoor
Turkish Angora	Excellent	7-12 lbs	Indoor/Outdoor
Japanese Bobtail	Excellent	7-10 lbs	Indoor/Outdoor
Chausie	Excellent	15-25 lbs	Indoor/Outdoor

Here are some quick facts about some of these furry hunters:

• Maine Coons are big and strong, known for their unmatched hunting skills.
• Siberians have thick fur, making them great for colder climates.
• Japanese Bobtails have a unique pom-pom-like tail, which supposedly brings good fortune!
• The Turkish Angora is known for its agility and speed, essential traits for catching mice.

Remember, it’s crucial to understand each breed’s distinct personality and needs. This will ensure that your new pet is happy, healthy, and one step closer to catching mice, and can also help determine if and why your cat is bringing mice inside!

Siamese and Manx Cats

Siamese cats are famous mousers due to their high energy levels and spirited personalities. These felines thrive on play and stimulation, happily hunting mice as often as you’d like.

Some Siamese cat fun facts:

• They’re one of the oldest cat breeds, originating from ancient Siam (now Thailand)!
• Their striking blue eyes and sleek coat make them an instantly recognizable breed.
• The Siamese breed is highly social, meaning you’ll never be short on conversation or snuggles!

Not far behind in the mouser department are Manx cats. These friendly felines love to hunt, making them ideal partners in your mouse-catching endeavors. With their highly affectionate and outgoing natures, you’ll soon find your home free of unwanted rodents and filled with love.

Here’s what sets Manx cats apart:

• These tailless beauties hail from the Isle of Man.
• They’re known for their exceptional intelligence and problem-solving skills.
• Longevity is a Manx cat’s strong suit, often living well into their late teens!

In both cases, their skills as natural-born hunters, combined with their endearing personalities, make Siamese and Manx cats excellent choices for homeowners seeking help in keeping mice at bay. Keep in mind that these aren’t the only breeds out there, so do your research before bringing home your new four-legged buddy.

Once you’ve chosen the perfect hunter, your home will be mouse-free in no time! And when that day comes, be sure to give your kitty an extra treat—you both earned it!

How To Train Your Cat To Catch Mice

Ideally, your current pet will naturally get the instict to catch mice! Here’s a few simple ways to gently encourage your feline friend to get a bit more active in the pest control department.

Building Hunting Skills

Cats are natural-born hunters, but they may need some help honing those skills. Regular practice will give your feline friend the confidence and technique required to catch mice in your home.

Introduce activities that encourage stalking and chasing, such as hiding treats or toys. You could even use a mouse-scented toy to get them familiar with their target’s scent!

Using Toys and Playtime

To train your cat, it’s best to utilize toys that mimic the movements of a mouse. A few examples include:

• Wand toys: They are excellent for simulating the movements of a mouse and allowing your cat to practice stalking and pouncing.
• Battery-operated toys: These toys encourage chase and capture behavior as they move erratically.
• Small, furry toys: Mice-like toys can trigger your cat’s prey drive, nurturing their hunting instincts.

Incorporating playtime into your daily routine provides excellent bonding opportunities and helps nurture their natural hunting abilities!

Mentor Cats

Believe it or not, some experienced cats can serve as mentors to younger or less-experienced cat pals! If you have another cat in the home that’s already an expert mouser, let them teach their tricks to the newbie.

Providing a mentor cat enables your trainee to observe and learn the art of catching mice from their feline friend – talk about a pawsome partnership!

And remember, when your cat starts catching mice, it’s a good idea to praise their efforts, but be sure to dispose of the mouse properly. Always handle the catch with gloves if possible and dispose of it safely in an outdoor trash container. By following these steps and investing some time into training, you’ll be well on your way to a mouse-free home thanks to your feline friend!

Bonus: The Science Behind Cat Hunting Skills

Genetics

Did you know? Cats are naturally born hunters, and their ancestors have been hunting mice for centuries! In fact, their hunting skills can be traced back to their feline relatives, such as tigers and lions. Remember, your domestic cat shares 40% of its DNA with tigers, inheriting their incredible hunting instincts. Now that’s something to be proud of as your cat takes on those pesky mice!

Vomeronasal Organ

Mice, beware! Cats are equipped with the vomeronasal organ located in their nasal cavity, allowing them to detect pheromones in the environment. This super-sensing organ helps them locate mice hiding in your home, even behind walls or under floorboards.

Just think of it like having their very own biological GPS for sniffing out mice!

MUPS

Hold your whiskers! Cats have another magic trick up their furry sleeves called MUPS (Major Urinary Proteins), which are secreted in their saliva and urine. These proteins not only aid in marking their territory but also help them track down mice by amplifying their scent.

Impressively, this means your cat can zero in on those little rodents and keep your home mouse-free!

So, to recap:

• Your cat shares over 95% of its DNA with tigers, inheriting their hunting abilities.
• The vomeronasal organ gives your cat a biological GPS for sniffing out mice.
• MUPS in their saliva and urine help amplify the scent of mice, making it easier for your cat to catch them.

Note: While it’s fascinating to learn about the science behind your cat’s hunting prowess, always remember to supervise and monitor your cat’s encounters with mice. Ensure they don’t consume them or become injured during their hunting activities. Happy hunting, and may the mouse-catching force be with your feline friend!

That’s A Purrfect End!

Cats can be helpful allies in your quest to keep mice at bay in your home. Some breeds, like Siamese and Manx, are naturally good at hunting mice. These feline friends can minimize the chances of mouse infestations!

Just as a scientist would, it’s important to understand why cats are effective mousers. They have keen senses and instincts that make them excellent hunters. Their hunting skills can also be a great source of entertainment for us, as we watch them hone their natural abilities.

Here’s some tidbits on how to encourage your cat to catch mice:

• Make sure they have access to areas where mice might be hiding
• Encourage play with toys that mimic the movements of mice
• Reward them with treats when they catch a mouse

If your cat does catch a mouse, it’s important to address the situation with care. Consult with your vet on anything you should be concerned about with your cat catching mice. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are crucial for maintaining your cat’s overall health, especially when catching mice. Really make sure your vet is informed of your cats activities so they can give you specific reccomendations and run the needed checkups to keep your cat pawsitively happy!

Remember, using a cat to help rid your home of mice can be an effective and natural method of pest control. Good luck!