Why Cats Eat Mice: A Natural Instinct Explained

Cats hunting mice is a natural instinct for felines, yet not all cats have a taste for rodents. More often than not, they enjoy the thrill of the chase, especially in today's domesticated felines. So, why do cats catch mice if they don't necessarily eat them? Today, we delve into the reasons behind why cats eat mice.

Why Do Cats Eat Mice?

Cats consume mice primarily because these creatures are rich in taurine, an amino acid that cats cannot synthesize on their own and must obtain from their diet. Adequate taurine intake is crucial for a cat's health, as it benefits their liver and eyes, enhancing their night vision. A deficiency in taurine can lead to a range of symptoms:

1. Retinal degeneration, leading to decreased vision and potentially blindness;

2. Heart muscle malfunction, which can cause heart failure;

3. Impaired bile secretion, affecting nutrient absorption and causing digestive issues;

4. Reproductive failure in female cats, leading to infertility and difficulties in pregnancy and childbirth;

5. Developmental delays in kittens, severely impacting their growth and development;

6. Immune system dysfunction, making them more susceptible to various diseases.

Therefore, supplementing with the right amount of taurine is vital for cats. Since they cannot produce this substance internally, they rely on their diet to obtain it. Foods like fish, mice, birds, frogs, pork, beef, and lamb are all high in taurine. But why do cats seem to have a special affinity for mice? Cats are drawn to prey that is rich in taurine, and this is where their hunting instincts come into play. With their smaller size and the challenge of catching birds, which can fly, mice, being small and fastbreeding, and nocturnal like cats, have become their primary food source. In times of scarcity, wild cats would rely heavily on mice as a staple in their diet. However, with today's pet cats wellfed by their owners, there is no need to hunt for food, and the instinct to catch mice has diminished.

Cats are carnivores that actually prefer the taste of fat, and a highquality protein intake brings them joy. Compared to mice, cats are more likely to enjoy foods like salmon and beef, which are rich in protein and also contain taurine. Mice simply don't hold the same appeal. Moreover, in the past, mice were often found in fields and farms, sometimes even considered a delicacy. This made them a relatively safe food source for cats. Today, however, most mice live in unsanitary environments, consuming garbage and decaying matter, which can harbor parasites, microorganisms, and bacteria. With such risks, it's no wonder that cats, with their inherent cleanliness, would avoid eating mice if possible.

So, if cats don't eat mice, why do they catch them? Here are a few reasons:

1. Satisfying their hunting instincts: Cats are natural predators and enjoy the chase, regardless of their food supply. Even wellfed pet cats may retain some hunting instincts, and the sight of a mouse can trigger their predatory nature.

2. Exhausting excess energy: When cats have pentup energy, they might engage in activities like running and playing. While this might seem quirky to us, it's simply a way for them to burn off excess energy. Cats are nocturnal, and so are mice, making them the perfect playmates for a game of "chase me" in the dark.

Understanding these reasons behind why cats catch mice can deepen our appreciation for these fascinating creatures.