Before killing a small animal, a cat will seemingly play with it first. While this looks cruel, the cat is acting in self-preservation rather than malice. Cats play with prey to subdue it before delivering a killing blow, which can be dangerous when hunting rodents.
Why does my cat play with mice and not kill it?
Why does my cat bring mice home alive and then play with them? This may look cruel, but cats are not doing this for entertainment. By confusing the mouse or other small animal and tiring it out, your cat is essentially making sure that they can kill it without getting injured themselves.
Should I let my cat play with a mouse?
BENEFITS OF ALLOWING YOUR CAT TO CATCH MICE It's rodent control without poison, and more humane to the pest than a sticky trap or a snap trap. Sometimes the cat won't even need to catch the mouse to have the desired effect of driving the pest away. A cat's lurking presence is often enough to evict squatting rodents.
Why do cats play with mouse before killing?
"Cats are opportunistic hunters and must be ready to stalk and catch any prey they discover by chance — even if they're not hungry," Turner explains. By playing with the live prey, the cat is acting out this inner conflict.
Do cats eat mice or just play with them?
Cats do indeed eat mice, as well as rats, other small mammals, and birds. The act of cats 'playing' with their food is so that they can hone their hunting skills.
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