do cats really kill mice??

Question

I just found out tracks of mice at my apartment.. I'm scared to death and besides the traps and stuff I've been getting I keep looking at rat sh*t everywhere EWWWWWWW!!! I have like 5 people so far to get a cat. I don't like cats but I hate mice more...I know I can get use to a cat but ONLY if they do what people say they do (keep mice away). Do anybody know if cats do for real scare mice away??? PLEASE HELP!!!!

Please!! don't take me wrong I never had a cat before I know if I get a pet I will take care of it and will take care of the vet/vaccines and everything that comes up with the care of a pet. I'm not just getting the cat because of the rats, I'm trying to get rid of the mice and I was asking because if I can get help from a cat and keep it.. would be cool. I don't like cats but i know i would love it if I had it. Before I get it I will remove the traps I already had in my apartment. Don't take me wrong

Answer 1

That's no reason to get a cat, because once the mice are gone the cat will still be there and it deserves a home where it's actually loved and wanted and cared for.

Most cats will get rid of mice. Usually, they'll kill them, eat half, and leave the other half for you to find -- and clean up. They see it as leaving you a gift.

It is possible for the cat to get worms or disease from the mouse. If that happens you'll have to pay veterinary bills for the cat, which is much more expensive than hiring an exterminator to get rid of the mice in the first place. Your cat could also be injured by a mouse trap, or poisoned by mouse bait.

If you do get a cat, be sure that your cat is spayed or neutered. Otherwise you may soon have a lot MORE cats than you can handle. Oh, and pregnant or nursing cats seldom chase mice.

A cat isn't the solution to your problem. Instead, focus on other solutions. I'm assuming that your mouse problem is too large to be dealt with humanely with catch and release traps. Have you tried setting out mouse bait? That will wipe out a large population quickly, if necessary. Or hire an exterminator. It's expensive but overall much cheaper than taking on a pet you don't really want.

Answer 2

Cats will scare mice away...the mice can sense them-smell them and unless you have huge infestation...will probably move on if you have a ct around...I have three, live on a horse ranch and everyone around me had mice problems...I don't...hmmmm...
I did have one get into the house, and he was so sacred he stayed under my microwave-I think for a couple days... and then, he disappeared too. I'm thinking he either ran back out the way he came or someone had a snack and cleaned it up good.
I've seen cat "toy" with a mouse until it dies and then lose interest, and walk away. They are the well fed kind, but a cat will not walk away from any critter that moves; crickets, roaches, and other beasties we don't want in our houses...I have none. Just remember not to use insecticides or poison if you have cats...or you will end up killing the "exterminator" and poisoning is an ugly way to die for a cat...experienced it once and I don't use anything in or around my house...an occasional cricket gets in, but the boys take care of them quickly...LOL

p.s. Don't get a cat if you aren't going ot care for it though...not cool...and anyway, you might just find you really like cats if you get a really good one...pick a boy cat-get him neutered before he is 6 months old and you will have a purring, loving buddy who will come when called, like a dog, and be an "exterminator"...better than a boyfriend...well, almost and less drama for sure.....LOL

Answer 3

Cats do kill mice. I have a cat who will take the mouse into the shower and kill it there.
It can be a bit messy, but usually not. Female cats are slightly better than males at mouse hunting. The best hunters learn from their mothers. I have a mother daughter team of barn cats and they are wonderful. When I get hay delivered they are just waiting for any mice that come out of the stack. Have you tried putting sticky traps where the mice are running? They will go along the edge of walls. These traps don't kill but they do catch the mice.

Answer 4

I had a cat that killed mice, but she left them all over the house. Now, the cat I have right now puts the mice in his mouth, brings them upstairs, and drops them on the floor and paws at them and looks around the room while the mouse runs away. It really depends the cat you have. Yesterday morning, my dog actually killed a mouse while my cat layed on the couch and watched her. He couldn't care less. If you do get a cat make sure you really do want one. If you don't give it attention the cat will become independent and mean. Also, If you want it to kill mice (which you do) I would get a female cat, I've heard they're better hunters than males. And if your cat is going to be an outdoor cat, it might bring in more mice than it kills. Good Luck!

Answer 5

Oh yes, cats will kill and eat mice. As an example, I just has a nice surprise in my barn the morning when I saw a dead mouse cut in half and the barn cat licking his lips.

And yes, cats will even scare the mice away even if they never catch one. Mice and rats are smart enough to know to stay far away from a cat.
But if you don't like cats then I wouldn't get one just to keep the vermin away. The cat will need food, toys, litter pan, vet visits etc. which will cost alot of money.
In my case, we have cats at the barn to keep the rats/mice/other vermin away from eating livestock feed. But these cats as basically strays- we never brought them. They only stay because we provide water, enough food to keep them interested (as well as a promise that there will be mice to eat!), and attention.
Traps, poison (just make sure other animals don't get into it!), and spray will eventually do the job. Call an exterminator if the problem continues. Your apartment should also provide help.

Answer 6

Cats sometimes scare the mice away. Although cats sometimes get worms from the mice (when they eat them)and you'll end up at the vet. I think you're better off just sticking with the traps. I'm sure you've mentioned this to your landlord.

Answer 7

Yes cats a very good at killing mice but a lot of the time they bring the mice to their owner as gift. If you don't like having dead mice brought to you then I wouldn't advise getting a cat. Although some cats do eat the mice instead of bringing them to you.

Answer 8

Yes cat kill mice, most of the cats will eat the mice. The kitten did not kill the mice, but it is try to catch it.

You can also use the mouse trap to control the mice.

Answer 9

Yes, cats really do kill mice and other small animals. A cat (or even a few cats) can't wipe out a really bad infestation of mice, but for a couple that you can't get rid of, a cat will certainly hunt them down.

Just watch out--your cat may be proud of its catch and leave the corpses prominently displayed for you.

Answer 10

Most cats will attack mice and kill them. Sometimes they play with them first. But mice are devious little creatures that can find so many tiny places to hide. Or even in the walls. Sometimes cats can get to those places.