How long does a mouse take to digest in a cat's stomach? - briefly
A whole mouse is usually broken down in a domestic cat within 12–24 hours, with most protein digestion finished by the end of the first day. Larger prey may take up to 48 hours for complete gastric emptying.
How long does a mouse take to digest in a cat's stomach? - in detail
A domestic cat typically empties the stomach of a small rodent within two to four hours after ingestion. The initial phase involves muscular contraction that breaks down the carcass, mixing it with gastric acid and enzymes. Protein denaturation and pepsin activity begin within minutes, while the acidic environment (pH 1.5‑3) continues to liquefy tissue for the next hour.
After the stomach releases its contents into the small intestine, enzymatic digestion proceeds. Carbohydrate and fat breakdown, along with absorption of amino acids and fatty acids, occupies roughly six to twelve hours. The remaining indigestible material moves through the large intestine, where water reabsorption and microbial fermentation occur, completing the passage in an additional six to ten hours.
Factors influencing the timeline include:
- Prey size: Larger mice require longer gastric processing.
- Cat’s body weight and metabolic rate: Bigger, more active cats digest faster.
- Health status: Illness or gastrointestinal disorders can delay emptying.
- Feeding history: A full stomach slows the entry of new material.
Overall, the complete digestive cycle for a mouse in a healthy adult cat ranges from twelve to twenty‑four hours, with the stomach phase accounting for the first two to four hours.