Cats & mice?

Question

I'm having an issue with mice every so often. I live in a somewhat marshy area and my house is surrounded by shrubs & ivy, so maybe that's why. I had an exterminator out and he plugged up openings where they may be getting in. I keep a clean house, so I'm really at my wits end.

I've never had a cat, but I'm thinking of getting one so I don't see any little "Mickies". Do cats really keep mice out of the home? Or, is that an old wives tale?

Thanks!

I am an animal lover, but I'm without a pet now and I've only had dogs in the past. I would certainly care for it and my kids would enjoy having a pet.

Answer 1

Cats are wonderful! They love chasing mice and do help with keeping them out of the house (because they eat them!)! I will let you know that I am not a "cat person" but I love my cat. She was a stray and I took her in. Cats are super independent, do not require a lot of attention (they'll let you know when they want it), just some food, and a clean liter box (they make self cleaning ones!). In your situation I would possibly suggest getting two! Opposite gender cats tend to get along better, just make sure they are spay/neutered unless you want kittens! Good luck!

Answer 2

A cat will help, but you should consider these things:

1. Is this all I want the cat for?
2. Am I prepared for the other responsibilities of pet ownership? (vaccinations, spay/neuter, etc)
3. Will I appreciate the companionship beyond the mousing?
4. Am I prepared to deal with the fact that cats have claws and other objects (furniture) may be at risk for damage if I do not have an adequate outlet for their natural behaviors?
5. Could I potentially move to a place where my cat would no longer be welcome in the next 5 years?
6. Do I live in an area with other wild animals or dogs that can potentially maim or kill a cat that I allow to roam?
7. What are the leash laws where I live? Is it even permissible to have a freely roaming cat.

Also, I lived in a house where there were mouse issues at one point. My cat did kill them. She let us know she was earning her keep by bringing her trophies to the door. There is no guarantee that a cat you find would do the same, but be prepared as it could happen.

If you decide animal ownership is right for you, please go to the local shelter and pick out a nice crossbred animal. Mutts tend to be healthier than pure breds.

Answer 3

No it's not an "old wives tale", cats will control the area and the more your cat hangs around the mice will later move on. Just watch out, when they catch mice, they'll carry it proudly, leave it as a present on the porch, or even bring it in the house...

I've had a problem with Chipmunks, and ever since the neighborhood cat has been sitting near our driveway the Chipmunks have left our yard, obviously fearful of the cat, LOL...

Answer 4

Cats do a pretty good job of keeping mice out of the home. When I was younger we would call our neighbor's cats over to get mice that were in our basement. Cats, even though they are cute and furry, are considered by some to be the most intense killers of any animal because they kill for sport, not just out of necessity. They also eat a lot of bugs too.

Answer 5

Get a cat and you won't have a mouse problem any longer. Mice will come inside in the Spring and Fall to make their nests. Even if you keep a clean house, they will come inside. All of my cats have been excellent mouse catchers. I have 3 cats now and I haven't seen a mouse in years. I think the mouse community knows not to come in my house now knowing there are 3 cats waiting for them.

Answer 6

If you get a cat some won't eat them they will just play with until they die then you have to clean up the little mickies. I had a friend though that everytime her cat caught a mouse even when he caught outside he would bring them in the house to her.

Answer 7

They certainly do, although individuals will vary.

A cat that has been fed commercial food all its life may not understand that a mouse is food.

I'm not an expert in this area, but if I were you, I'd look for a "barn cat" who lives outdoors and whose mother has taught it to hunt. I guess you could get an adult like that or you could get a kitten that's been weaned for a while and is a proven "mouser."

Answer 8

Well if you want a pet go right ahead and get one.
But you already answered your own question, get rid of all the shrubs and stuff.

Cats eating mice is a very unhealthy thing.
What if the mice has a bad disease you can't cure from your kitty? What then?

Answer 9

obviously cats do catch living things, my girlfriends cat catches live bats in flight!!! but some cats dont, and some cats wont, a cat will quite possibly deter mice, but mice are incredibly intelligent and can find ways round everywhere. eg under the floors and in the walls, and mice multiply like nobodies business. in conclusion your cat will probably deter mice, and catch a few, but i doubt it will get rid of your problem. and why do you want to kill the poor things? i would get humain traps, but thats just me. hope it helps

Answer 10

absolutely get a cat, if you love them tho not for extermination. cats are a responsibility. my cats kill bugs all the time, i dont have a mice problem, sometimes its annoying to find a dead spider on the ground but at least its dead, so you might find dead mice.....