How many mice do cats eat? - briefly
Domestic cats typically capture and consume between one and three mice per week, while feral cats may eat up to five or more in the same period. Individual intake varies with hunting skill, prey availability, and the cat’s nutritional needs.
How many mice do cats eat? - in detail
Cats capture and consume rodents with considerable variability. Studies of feral populations indicate an average kill rate of 2 – 3 small mammals per day, translating to roughly 14 – 21 mice each week. Domestic cats that have outdoor access show lower figures, often 1 – 2 mice per week, while strictly indoor animals rarely obtain live prey, relying on commercial diets instead.
Factors influencing consumption include:
- Age and size: Adult felines (4–6 kg) can ingest 1 – 2 mice per feeding; kittens consume smaller portions.
- Hunting opportunity: Access to grassy or semi‑wild environments raises capture frequency; urban settings reduce it.
- Prey availability: Seasonal peaks in mouse populations increase intake during spring and autumn.
- Health status: Sick or malnourished cats may hunt more aggressively to meet nutritional needs.
A typical mouse provides about 30 kcal of metabolizable energy. An average adult cat requires 200 – 250 kcal daily, meaning a single mouse can supply roughly 12 %–15 % of its daily energy requirement. Consequently, a cat that eats three mice in a week obtains less than 5 % of its total caloric intake from these captures, relying primarily on supplemental food.
In summary, the number of rodents taken by felines ranges from zero for indoor‑only pets to several dozen per month for free‑roaming individuals, driven by age, environment, prey density, and overall health.