How does a cat hunt mice? - briefly
A cat uses acute hearing and whisker sensitivity to detect a mouse, then silently stalks and launches a timed pounce with claws extended. It immobilizes the prey by biting the neck, delivering a swift fatal blow.
How does a cat hunt mice? - in detail
Cats rely on a sequence of sensory, motor, and behavioral processes to capture rodents. Vision detects movement, especially in low light, because felines possess a high density of rod cells and a reflective tapetum lucidum that enhances contrast. Auditory cues supplement visual input; the pinnae can swivel to locate the faint rustle of a mouse’s scurrying.
Once a potential prey is identified, the cat initiates a stalking phase. Muscles in the hind limbs contract to lower the body, while the spine flexes, allowing the animal to move silently. The predator maintains a low, crouched posture and advances in short, controlled steps, minimizing vibrations on the substrate.
During the final approach, the cat calculates distance and timing. The forepaws are raised, claws retracted, and the head aligns with the target’s center of mass. At the moment of contact, the cat launches forward, extending the forelimbs and clamping the mouse with a rapid, precise bite to the neck, severing the spinal cord and inducing instant death.
Key physiological adaptations support this hunting strategy:
- Enhanced night vision: large pupils and tapetum lucidum.
- Acute hearing: movable ear flaps and a broad frequency range.
- Whisker sensitivity: vibrissae detect airflow changes near prey.
- Muscular coordination: flexible spine and powerful hind legs enable explosive acceleration.
- Sharp retractable claws: provide grip and puncture ability.
After capture, the cat may perform a brief “kill bite” to ensure the prey is immobilized, followed by consumption or storage. This systematic approach, combining sensory detection, stealthy movement, and precise strike mechanics, defines the feline’s efficiency as a mouse predator.