Cats play with mice because of their hunting instinct. This activity allows them to practice capturing prey, even if they are well-fed.
Cats naturally possess a powerful hunting instinct, deeply embedded in their feline genes. Even when domesticated, they love to stalk, chase, and catch small, fast prey, with mice being a preferred target. Their behavior directly stems from their wild ancestors, who had to hunt daily to survive. It is this innate drive that explains why Kitty spends so much time watching for every quick or stealthy movement under the furniture or in the garden. It's stronger than him: as soon as he spots a mouse, his focus, posture, and entire body automatically get ready to hunt.
Kittens often play by chasing objects or each other. These games mimic hunting sequences, helping kittens develop essential skills. Through play, they learn to coordinate their movements, estimate distances, and master their patience while stalking a target. Play also allows them to refine their reflexes, speed, and muscle strength, which are necessary later for successful hunting. This playful activity also enhances their agility and accuracy while boosting their self-confidence. Therefore, it is a crucial step for them to become effective little predators in adulthood.
Mice strongly stimulate a cat's senses: their ultra-developed sense of smell quickly detects the warm and musky scent of small rodents, instantly awakening their interest. With their very sensitive ears, cats also perfectly pick up the small scratching or movement sounds of mice. Suddenly, their keen hearing is on alert, catching the faintest discreet sound like a true call to play or hunt. Visually, the quick and jerky movements of mice awaken their instinct: their eyes perceive rapid movements well, immediately triggering their urge to chase. Finally, the texture of the mouse, whether it’s the softness of the fur or the warmth of the small prey, provides the cat with a particularly satisfying tactile sensation, further enhancing its interest in playing with the animal.
For cats, playing is a natural way to release their stress and alleviate excess accumulated energy, especially when they live in an apartment. This behavior also allows the cat to achieve a sense of mental reward related to the fictional capture of prey. By simulating hunting, it satisfies a psychological need, which reinforces its sense of well-being, control, and security in its daily environment. These games stimulate its curiosity and keep its brain active, also preventing boredom that can lead to undesirable behaviors. Playing thus provides immediate pleasure, balancing excitement and relaxation, alternating peaks of adrenaline with phases of satisfaction.
A playing cat primarily adopts a very relaxed attitude: ears upright or forward, claws rarely fully extended, tail curled up. During play, the movements are exaggerated, full of jumps, clumsy ambushes, rolls, or amusing repetitive gestures. In contrast, a cat in real hunting mode is more serious, focused, with precise, quick, and efficient movements. Its ears are angled forward, its tail low or still, and its gaze remains fixed on its prey without distraction. Play rarely ends with an effective attack and a kill, unlike true hunting where the cat often finishes by biting the nape or throat of its prey. Finally, during playful activity, the cat will quickly lose interest if the mouse stays still, whereas in a real situation, this stillness will prompt the cat to intensify its final attack.
Some scientists suggest that the pawing behavior with which a cat plays with its prey before catching it is actually a strategy to test the limits and defensive capabilities of the prey, allowing the cat to avoid potential injuries.
The sight of a mouse activates certain parts of the cat's brain related to reward and pleasure, which explains this endless fascination. In fact, it's somewhat like the cat is constantly watching an exciting movie.
Did you know that mice perceive cat pheromones as an immediate threat? Some studies show that if a house has smells of felines, it is often less frequented by mice.
Contrary to popular belief, it is mainly female cats that teach their kittens how to hunt, and they often do this by bringing back half-caught or stunned prey to better introduce their young ones to play and hunting.
Even though hunting is not a vital necessity for your domesticated cat that you care for, it is an excellent way to maintain their mental and physical balance. You can replace real hunting with interactive games that simulate this activity to keep them happy and fulfilled.
You cannot completely eliminate this natural behavior. However, you can enrich its environment with many stimulating toys and games so that it feels less need to hunt real mice.
If possible, wear gloves and gently remove the mouse to avoid any health risks or injury. Also, make sure to disinfect the area afterward. Observe your cat to ensure it hasn’t been scratched or bitten by the mouse.
Yes, that's right. Many cats don’t hunt for food, but to follow their natural instinct and need for stimulation. Playing for an extended period with a prey is therefore completely normal for them.
Sure, here’s the translation: "Yes, it can be. Mice can transmit parasites or diseases to your cat, such as fleas, ticks, or even certain bacteria and viruses. It is best to prevent your cat from having access to wild mice or to ensure regular veterinary visits if this happens frequently."
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