How did the cat eat the mouse? - briefly
The feline seized the rodent with its claws, delivered a fatal bite, and swallowed it whole.
How did the cat eat the mouse? - in detail
The feline detected the prey through acute auditory and visual cues, registering the rapid movements of the small rodent. It positioned itself low to the ground, aligning its body for maximum acceleration.
A swift forward thrust propelled the cat, extending its forelimbs to grasp the mouse by the neck and forebody. The claws, retractable yet fully deployed, secured a firm hold, preventing escape.
Simultaneously, the cat’s incisors clamped onto the vertebral region, delivering a precise bite that fractured the spinal cord and induced immediate death. This bite also severed major blood vessels, reducing blood loss.
With the victim immobilized, the cat manipulated the carcass using its paws, positioning the head toward its mouth. The jaws opened wide, allowing the animal to be swallowed whole or in large sections, depending on size.
During ingestion, the cat’s tongue and palate guided the mouse down the esophagus, while the epiglottis closed to protect the airway. Peristaltic contractions moved the food toward the stomach.
In the gastric chamber, strong muscular walls and hydrochloric acid began protein denaturation. Enzymes such as pepsin further broke down tissue, converting it into a semi‑liquid chyme ready for intestinal absorption.