What does a cat do with a rat? - briefly
When a cat encounters a rat, it usually catches and kills the rodent with a bite or claw. The cat may then eat the prey, hide it, or abandon it, depending on its hunger and instinct.
What does a cat do with a rat? - in detail
A cat’s response to a captured rodent follows a predictable sequence driven by instinct and learned behavior.
First, the animal secures the prey with its forepaws, applying a firm grip that immobilizes the rat. The claws dig into the flesh, preventing escape and delivering a painful shock that often leads to rapid incapacitation.
Second, the cat delivers a bite to the neck or head. The canine teeth compress the trachea and sever the spinal cord, ensuring swift death. This bite is typically brief, lasting only a fraction of a second.
Third, the cat may engage in a brief period of “play” handling. The animal tosses the carcass, shakes it, or drags it across the ground. This behavior serves multiple purposes: it sharpens hunting skills, tests the prey’s resistance, and may satisfy a predatory urge for stimulation.
Finally, the cat decides how to dispose of the remains. Common outcomes include:
- Consuming the meat, usually starting with the softer abdominal organs.
- Leaving the carcass in a concealed spot to avoid attracting larger predators.
- Abandoning the dead animal altogether, especially if the cat is well‑fed.
Throughout the process, the cat’s actions are guided by innate predatory circuitry, reinforced by experience and environmental cues. The entire encounter, from capture to disposal, typically unfolds within a few minutes.