What does a cat do when it catches a mouse? - briefly
A cat usually kills the mouse, often by biting the neck, then either eats it or discards the carcass after a brief bout of “playing” with the prey.
What does a cat do when it catches a mouse? - in detail
When a feline seizes a rodent, the first action is a rapid bite to the neck or spinal region, delivering a crushing force that instantly disables the prey. The jaw muscles contract with maximum pressure, often breaking the vertebrae or crushing the windpipe, ensuring immediate immobilization.
After the kill, the cat frequently engages in a series of manipulations:
- Tossing and batting – the animal uses its paws to flick the carcass, testing the still‑alive status of the mouse and exercising its predatory reflexes.
- Mouth handling – the mouse is held in the mouth, sometimes turned over to expose the ventral side, allowing the cat to inspect and further secure the kill.
- Transport – the feline may carry the morsel away from the capture site, often to a secluded spot such as a hidden corner, under a piece of furniture, or to a preferred perch.
If the cat intends to consume the prey, the following steps occur:
- Positioning – the mouse is placed head‑first to facilitate swallowing.
- Biting off limbs – the cat removes the legs and tail, reducing resistance and easing ingestion.
- Chewing – the meat is broken down with a series of short, powerful chews; bone fragments are typically discarded.
- Swallowing – the softened tissue passes down the esophagus, entering the stomach for digestion.
- Grooming – the cat licks its paws and muzzle to clean residual blood and scent, a behavior that also restores coat condition.
When the cat does not eat the catch, it may present the dead mouse to its human caretaker as a “gift,” often dropping it at the owner’s feet or leaving it in a visible location. In some cases, the animal will abandon the carcass after a brief inspection, returning later to resume play or consumption.