What are the risks if a cat eats mice? - briefly
Consuming rodents can expose a cat to parasites such as tapeworms, bacteria like Salmonella, and cause internal injury from bone fragments. Infected prey may also transmit diseases such as toxoplasmosis, posing additional health hazards.
What are the risks if a cat eats mice? - in detail
Cats that catch and ingest rodents face several health hazards.
Pathogens transmitted by the prey are a primary concern. Wild mice commonly carry bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli, which can cause gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and diarrhea in felines. Parasites are also prevalent; Toxoplasma gondii cysts may lead to toxoplasmosis, while intestinal worms like Hymenolepis spp. and Taenia larvae can establish infections that impair nutrient absorption and cause weight loss.
Toxins present in the rodent’s body add further risk. Mice exposed to rodenticides (anticoagulant or neurotoxic compounds) retain residues in their tissues. Ingesting such prey may result in secondary poisoning, manifested by prolonged bleeding, lethargy, or neurologic signs. Even low‑level exposure can accumulate over time, jeopardizing liver and kidney function.
Physical injury is another possible outcome. Small bones and teeth can become lodged in the cat’s oral cavity, throat, or gastrointestinal tract, leading to obstruction, perforation, or infection. Sharp fragments may cause mucosal irritation and bleeding.
Allergic reactions, though rare, can occur when a cat’s immune system responds to mouse proteins, producing skin lesions, itching, or respiratory distress.
In summary, consuming rodents exposes cats to bacterial and parasitic infections, residual poisons, mechanical trauma, and occasional hypersensitivity. Prompt veterinary evaluation is advised if a cat shows signs of illness after a hunt.