What do you call a cat that catches mice? - briefly
A cat that catches mice is termed a «mouser».
What do you call a cat that catches mice? - in detail
The appropriate designation for a feline that regularly captures rodents is «mouser». This label appears in dictionaries as a noun meaning “a cat that catches mice or other small pests”.
The word derives from the Middle English verb “mousen”, itself a back‑formation from “mouse”. Early agricultural manuals recorded the term to distinguish working cats from companion animals.
In practice, a mouser is valued for:
- Reducing rodent populations in barns, grain stores, and warehouses.
- Limiting damage to crops and stored food.
- Lowering the need for chemical pest control.
Synonyms and related expressions include:
- Hunting cat
- Rat‑catcher (when targeting larger rodents)
- Pest‑control feline
Professional breeders often assess a cat’s mouser potential by observing:
- Stalk and pounce technique
- Success rate in live‑capture trials
- Persistence in environments with high rodent activity
Regulatory agencies sometimes require proof of mouser capability for cats used in commercial pest‑management contracts. Documentation may consist of capture logs, veterinary health records, and performance certifications.
Overall, the term «mouser» encapsulates both the functional role and the historical significance of cats employed to manage rodent infestations.