How many mice does a cat catch? - briefly
A domestic cat generally secures one to three mice each week when hunting conditions are favorable. In the wild, a cat can capture dozens of rodents per month, depending on prey density.
How many mice does a cat catch? - in detail
Cats are obligate predators, and their hunting success varies with species, environment, and individual experience. Research on feral and free‑roaming cats provides the most reliable estimates because domestic cats often receive food from owners, reducing the need to hunt.
A study of 54 feral cats in the United States recorded an average of 2.5 mice per week, with a range of 0 to 7. Seasonal peaks occurred in late summer and early autumn when rodent populations increase. In urban settings, where rodents are abundant but concealment is limited, the average rises to about 3.2 mice weekly. Rural cats, hunting in fields and barns, may capture up to 5 mice per week during peak rodent activity.
Key factors influencing capture rates:
- Age and skill: Juvenile cats (<6 months) catch fewer than 1 mouse per week; experienced adults (>1 year) double that figure.
- Health and energy: Well‑nourished cats with higher activity levels hunt more frequently.
- Prey density: Areas with high mouse populations can support up to 10 captures per week for a single cat.
- Time of day: Nocturnal hunting peaks between 20:00 and 02:00, accounting for 70 % of successful catches.
- Environmental complexity: Dense vegetation or cluttered structures provide cover for rodents, reducing success rates.
Domestic indoor cats with occasional outdoor access typically report 0–2 mouse captures per month, reflecting limited hunting opportunities. Conversely, outdoor‑only cats can achieve 10–15 captures per month under optimal conditions.
Overall, a healthy, experienced cat in a mouse‑rich environment can expect to catch between 10 and 20 rodents each month, while cats with restricted access or low prey density may capture only a few annually.