How do cats hunt mice? - briefly
Cats stalk, pounce, and kill mice using acute vision, sensitive hearing, and rapid reflexes. They rely on whisker detection in dim light and a swift neck bite to immobilize the prey.
How do cats hunt mice? - in detail
Cats employ a sequence of sensory, motor, and tactical actions to capture rodents. First, they rely on acute vision and hearing to locate potential prey. Light‑sensitive retinal cells detect the slightest movement, while the pinna amplifies high‑frequency sounds produced by a mouse’s scurrying. Once a target is identified, the feline shifts into a crouched stance, lowering its center of gravity and flexing the hind limbs to store elastic energy.
The attack phase proceeds with a rapid extension of the forelimbs. Muscles in the shoulder and elbow contract explosively, propelling the paws forward at speeds exceeding 20 m s⁻¹. Sharp, retractable claws engage the mouse’s fur and hide, while the bite targets the neck or spinal region, delivering a quick, fatal wound. Throughout the pursuit, the cat’s tail functions as a stabilizer, counterbalancing swift directional changes.
Key components of the hunting process include:
- Stealth positioning – slow, deliberate movements minimize auditory cues.
- Burst acceleration – a short, powerful sprint covers the distance to the prey.
- Pounce accuracy – precise timing ensures the paws land within a few centimeters of the target.
- Grip and bite – the combination of claws and jaws secures the mouse and disables it rapidly.
After capture, cats often perform a brief “kill bite” that severs the spinal cord, preventing reflexive escape. The subsequent handling may involve shaking or tossing the prey to ensure death before consumption. This systematic approach maximizes success rates across various environments, from domestic homes to outdoor fields.