Food safety
Can Cats Eat Mice? It's Natural, but Not Risk-Free
Cats can and do eat mice, but it is not risk-free: a mouse can carry parasites and Toxoplasma, and a mouse that ate rat poison can pass that poison on. Cornell's Feline Health Center notes that cats commonly pick up Toxoplasma from infected prey, and VCA warns that relay poisoning from rodenticide-killed rodents, while rare, does happen. If you think your cat ate a poisoned mouse, call your vet, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. A fee may apply.
By Matt GarnettUpdated November 13, 20264 min read2 sources
Why eating mice carries risks
A mouse is a near-perfect food for a wild cat, which is why the hunting instinct is so strong. A pet cat, though, gets everything it needs from its food, so the only things a caught mouse adds are the risks it carries: intestinal worms, other parasites and bacteria.
Cornell explains that when a cat eats infected prey or raw meat, the Toxoplasma parasite is released from cysts in the prey's tissue into the cat's gut. Most infected cats show no signs, but kittens and cats with weakened immune systems can become ill.
The danger of rat poison
The most serious risk comes from mice that have eaten rodenticide. VCA describes secondary, or relay, poisoning as an animal being poisoned after eating a rodent killed by rodenticide. It is rare, because a cat would usually need to eat several poisoned rodents, but outdoor, barn and farm cats are most at risk.
Anticoagulant rodenticides stop blood from clotting, and VCA notes that signs usually take three to seven days to appear. Some newer poisons affect the brain, and cats are especially sensitive to them. If you or a neighbor uses mouse bait, tell your vet the product name.
My cat ate a mouse: what to do
Stay calm. Most cats that eat a mouse are fine. Check whether rodent bait is used anywhere your cat roams, including garages, sheds and nearby homes, and find the packaging if you can. Do not try to make your cat vomit at home, which VCA warns can damage the esophagus and stomach.
Call your vet the same day if there is any chance the mouse was poisoned, even if your cat seems well, because treatment works best before signs appear. Otherwise, watch your cat for the next week and book a check if anything seems off.
If you share a safe morsel, offering it from a shallow cat bowl or hiding it in a puzzle feeder keeps the amount small.
Parasites and deworming
Mice are common carriers of roundworms and tapeworms, which a cat picks up by eating them. You may see segments that look like grains of rice around your cat's tail or in its bedding, or notice weight loss, a dull coat, vomiting or a pot-bellied look.
Cats that hunt should be on a regular parasite control program your vet recommends. Do not use dog products on cats, and do not guess at doses. Your vet can examine a stool sample and choose the right treatment for your cat's age and weight.
Kittens and hunting
Kittens are the most likely to become sick from Toxoplasma, worms or bacteria, because their immune systems are still developing. Cornell notes that kittens are among the cats most likely to show eye or nervous system signs from toxoplasmosis.
Kittens are also small, so a single poisoned rodent is a bigger dose for them. If a kitten has eaten a mouse, call your vet for advice rather than waiting to see what happens, and ask about deworming at the same visit.
Signs to watch for and when to call a vet
After eating a mouse, a cat may vomit it up within a few hours, which is common and often harmless. Over the following days, watch for diarrhea, fever, loss of appetite and lethargy, which Cornell lists as the most common signs of illness from toxoplasmosis.
With rodenticide, VCA lists weakness, pale gums, trouble breathing, a swollen belly, bruising, vomiting and bloody or tarry stools, often three to seven days later. Any of these is an emergency. Go to a vet straight away, and bring the bait package if you have it.
Protecting your cat and your family
Cornell notes that indoor cats that do not hunt or eat raw meat are unlikely to be infected with Toxoplasma. Keeping cats indoors, or supervising outdoor time, is the most effective way to cut hunting, and an engaging play routine with wand toys gives the instinct a safe outlet.
Scoop the litter box daily, wear gloves and wash your hands, especially if anyone in the house is pregnant or has a weakened immune system. Use snap traps or exclusion instead of poison bait anywhere your cat might find a dying mouse.
This page is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your pet.
Common questions
Is it okay for my cat to eat a mouse?
Many cats eat mice without problems, but it carries a risk of parasites, Toxoplasma and, rarely, secondary rat poison. Watch your cat for the next week, and call your vet if there is any chance the mouse was poisoned.
What happens if my cat eats a poisoned mouse?
Depending on the poison, your cat may develop bleeding problems or nervous system signs, often days later. Call your vet or an animal poison line straight away, even if your cat looks well, and bring the bait name.
Should I deworm my cat after it eats a mouse?
Cats that hunt are at higher risk of roundworms and tapeworms. Ask your vet which parasite control product suits your cat and how often to use it, rather than buying a product without advice.
Why does my cat bring me dead mice?
Bringing prey home is normal hunting behavior. Some experts link it to cats taking food to a safe place. It is not a sign your cat is hungry, but more play can help redirect the instinct.
Can I catch anything if my cat eats mice?
Some parasites, including Toxoplasma, can pass to people through contact with infected cat feces. Scoop the litter box daily, wear gloves and wash your hands afterward, especially during pregnancy.
Sources we checked
This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or injured, contact your veterinarian.
