How do cats eat rats? - briefly
Cats seize rats with their claws, deliver a rapid bite to the neck to sever the spinal cord, then swallow the prey whole or in large pieces, using strong jaw muscles and a flexible throat to accommodate the body.
How do cats eat rats? - in detail
Cats capture rodents by stalking, pouncing, and using their claws to immobilize the prey. The sequence of actions is consistent across domestic and feral individuals.
The initial bite is directed at the neck or spinal region. Teeth puncture the cervical vertebrae, severing the spinal cord and causing rapid loss of consciousness. This bite also damages major blood vessels, resulting in swift hemorrhage. After the kill, the cat employs its forepaws to position the carcass, often turning it onto its back to expose the ventral side.
Chewing is limited. Cats have a carnivorous dentition—sharp incisors and canines for cutting, and carnassial premolars for shearing flesh. They bite off manageable sections, typically neck, limbs, and torso, and swallow each piece whole. The rigid skull and short digestive tract allow efficient processing of protein and fat without extensive mastication.
Digestive phases:
- Stomach secretes hydrochloric acid and pepsin, denaturing proteins and beginning lipid breakdown.
- Small intestine absorbs amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins; pancreatic enzymes complete protein, carbohydrate, and lipid digestion.
- Large intestine reabsorbs water, forming compact feces.
Physiological adaptations support this feeding pattern:
- Strong jaw muscles generate bite forces up to 200 N, sufficient to break bone.
- Sharp, retractable claws provide grip and injury control.
- High metabolic rate necessitates frequent, protein‑rich meals, making rodents an optimal food source.
Variations occur when prey size exceeds the cat’s gape; the animal may dismember the rat into smaller portions before ingestion. In environments with abundant rodents, cats may consume multiple individuals per day, balancing energy intake with the energetic cost of hunting.