How do cats catch mice? - briefly
Felines locate rodents using keen hearing and vision, then stalk silently before a rapid pounce that secures the prey with claws; a swift bite to the neck delivers the final kill.
How do cats catch mice? - in detail
Cats rely on a combination of sensory acuity, physical adaptations, and learned behavior to secure a mouse.
The hunt begins with detection. Vibrissae (whiskers) and acute hearing pick up the slightest movements, while a tapetum lucidum enhances vision in low light. Once a potential prey item is located, the feline enters a stalking phase. Muscles contract slowly, the body lowers to the ground, and the tail remains steady to maintain balance.
When the distance is optimal—typically 30–60 cm—the cat launches a rapid pounce. The forelimbs extend, claws unsheathed to grip the fleeing rodent. A powerful bite is delivered to the neck, crushing the windpipe and severing the spinal cord, which immobilizes the mouse instantly.
After the kill, the cat may perform a brief grooming action before swallowing. The flexible spine and jaw allow the animal to ingest prey whole, while digestive enzymes break down the tissue.
Key components of the process:
- Sensory input: whisker vibration, high‑frequency hearing, night vision.
- Stalking mechanics: low, silent movement; tail as counter‑balance.
- Pounce execution: rapid acceleration, claw deployment, precise bite.
- Kill method: neck bite causing immediate incapacitation.
- Post‑capture handling: grooming, swallowing, digestion.
These elements together enable felines to efficiently capture and consume mice.