How many mice can a cat eat? - briefly
An average domestic cat can ingest between one and three mice within a 24‑hour period, depending on its size and metabolic needs. Larger or feral cats may occasionally consume more, but sustained intake beyond this range is uncommon.
How many mice can a cat eat? - in detail
The quantity of rodents a feline can ingest depends on body mass, age, activity level, and the size of the prey. An adult domestic cat weighing 4–5 kg can typically swallow one to three house mice per feeding without exceeding stomach capacity. Larger outdoor cats, such as feral individuals weighing 6–8 kg, may handle four to six medium‑sized mice in a single bout.
Key physiological constraints:
- Stomach volume: approximately 60 ml per kilogram of body weight; each mouse occupies about 10–12 ml.
- Digestive transit: a mouse requires 12–24 hours to pass through the gastrointestinal tract; repeated consumption within this window can lead to over‑distension.
- Energy balance: a mouse provides roughly 25 kcal; a cat’s daily caloric need ranges from 180 kcal (sedentary indoor) to 300 kcal (active outdoor), so 2–4 mice meet daily requirements.
Factors influencing intake:
- Prey size – juvenile mice are easier to catch and consume in larger numbers; adult mice reduce the total count.
- Hunting skill – experienced hunters capture more prey per hour, increasing potential consumption.
- Health status – illness or dental problems lower the ability to process multiple rodents.
- Seasonality – colder months raise metabolic demand, prompting higher intake.
Observational data from field studies of feral cat colonies report average weekly consumption of 10–15 mice per adult, with peak values of 20–30 during breeding season. Laboratory feeding trials with well‑fed domestic cats show a maximum of 5–7 mice in a single feeding before regurgitation occurs.
In extreme cases, a large, healthy cat may ingest up to 8–10 medium mice in one session, but such loads risk gastric rupture and should be considered abnormal. Regular feeding patterns therefore stay within the 1–4 mouse range per meal for most cats.