How do cats attack mice? - briefly
A cat stalks a mouse by crouching low, then pounces with outstretched paws to seize and bite the neck, delivering a swift kill. Sharp vision, acute hearing, and retractable claws enable the rapid, precise strike.
How do cats attack mice? - in detail
Cats employ a sequence of sensory, motor, and tactical actions when pursuing a rodent. Initial detection relies on acute hearing and whisker vibration, which locate the prey’s position even in low‑light conditions. Vision, especially motion detection, confirms movement and distance.
Once the target is identified, the feline adopts a crouched stance, lowering the body and tucking the hind legs. This posture stores elastic energy in the hind‑limb muscles and the flexible spine, preparing for a rapid forward thrust.
The attack consists of several rapid phases:
- Burst acceleration: Hind‑leg extension propels the cat forward at speeds up to 30 km/h, covering the distance in a single, fluid motion.
- Mid‑air adjustment: The spine arches, and fore‑limbs extend to maintain balance and aim the paws toward the mouse.
- Paw strike: Sharp claws puncture or grip the prey’s torso, delivering a precise, high‑force impact that immobilizes the mouse.
- Bite capture: After the paw contact, the cat clamps its jaws around the neck, crushing the spinal cord and causing immediate incapacitation.
Following the kill, the cat often engages in a brief chewing phase to break down the prey’s skeletal structure, facilitating easier swallowing. The entire hunting sequence, from detection to subdual, can be completed within a few seconds, reflecting the predator’s evolutionary optimization for efficiency and success.