How to feed a cat with mice? - briefly
Provide the cat with appropriately sized, disease‑free mice—live or humanely euthanized—in a secure dish, and supervise the feeding to prevent choking. Follow the meal with fresh water and observe the cat for any adverse reactions.
How to feed a cat with mice? - in detail
Feeding a domestic cat live or pre‑killed rodents can be done safely if the process follows established guidelines.
First, obtain rodents from a reputable source that breeds them for pet food. Verify that the animals are disease‑free and have not been exposed to pesticides. Store them in a clean, ventilated container, and keep them at a temperature that prevents spoilage (approximately 4 °C for short‑term storage, up to 24 hours). If a longer hold is required, freeze the rodents at –18 °C for at least 48 hours to eliminate parasites.
When preparing the prey, follow these steps:
- Thaw frozen rodents in a refrigerator, not at room temperature.
- Inspect each mouse for visible injuries or abnormal discharge; discard any that appear compromised.
- If offering live prey, ensure the cat is accustomed to hunting and can handle the mouse without injury. Supervise the interaction to prevent bites to the owner.
- For pre‑killed mice, remove the gastrointestinal tract only if the cat has a history of vomiting after ingestion; otherwise, most felines tolerate whole prey.
- Warm the mouse to body temperature (approximately 38 °C) before serving to enhance palatability.
Nutritional considerations:
- A typical adult cat requires about 20 kcal per kilogram of body weight per day. One average house mouse (≈20 g) provides roughly 4 kcal, 2 g protein, and essential amino acids. Adjust portion size to meet the cat’s caloric needs, usually 2–3 mice per day for a 4 kg cat.
- Monitor calcium‑phosphorus balance; rodents have a higher phosphorus content, which can affect bone health if fed exclusively. Supplement with a calcium source or rotate with a balanced commercial diet.
- Ensure the cat receives adequate taurine, which is present in mouse muscle but can vary; regular blood tests help detect deficiencies.
Health safeguards:
- Conduct quarterly veterinary examinations, focusing on gastrointestinal health, dental condition, and parasite screening.
- Observe the cat for signs of distress after eating: excessive salivation, retching, or lethargy. Promptly consult a veterinarian if symptoms appear.
- Avoid feeding rodents captured outdoors, as they may carry zoonotic pathogens or parasites not eliminated by freezing.
Frequency and variety:
- Offer rodents as part of a mixed diet that includes high‑quality commercial cat food to provide a complete nutrient profile.
- Limit whole‑prey meals to no more than 50 % of total intake, gradually increasing if the cat tolerates the diet without adverse effects.
By sourcing healthy rodents, handling them hygienically, and balancing the diet with supplemental nutrients, a cat can be successfully nourished with mouse prey while minimizing health risks.