Top Cat: Rodent Hunters

CATS MOST SUITABLE FOR CATCHING MICE AND RATS

 

There are hundreds of devices that are made to deal with uninvited rodents - from a simple mouse trap made from a bottle, to an electrically powered sensory traps. Despite these innovative contraptions cats are still the most effective way to deal with mice and rats. But not all cats are equally good at that task:

Domestic or wild cat?

Every cat inherits hunting instincts genetically, meaning any cat can hunt (except for Ragamuffin breed). But, if domestic cat usually hunts mice out of curiosity, to play with it for a while and let it go (if the mouse is still alive and didn't suffer any injuries from the cat's claws), wild cats are hunting all kinds of rodents for food, it is a matter of life and death for them, and not an entertainment.

If domestic cat somehow ends up on the streets (or in the wild), it will have no problems catching mice for food. Cats, even domestic, are smart enough to recognize when it is appropriate to play with their food and when it is crucial to stay fed. But wild cat is still will be much more cunning and quicker in catching rodents than a domestic cat.

Conclusion: if you are choosing a cat to deal with rodents, you should be looking for a wild cat. Do not be afraid of picking a kitten for the job, they have all the necessary hunting skills by the age of 3 - 5 month.

Male or Female?

Male cats have a pronounced sexual instincts. In other words, male cats will hunt, but not for mice - for "brides". Owners of male cats know that during those hunts cats usually lose weight, because proper nutrition is not on their priority list.

Female cats, on the other hand, are only poor huntresses only when in heat, and that (as a rule) happens only twice a year.

Conclusion: when choosing a mouse hunter, prioritize female cats over male ones. Moreover, female cats are usually far more inventive and faster at catching their prey.

Does neutering, spaying affects cat's ability to catch mice?

It turns out, that sexual drive is only gets in a way when it comes to hunting. And spayed cats, devoid of this invasive desire, are excellent hunters. When it comes to male cats - if prior to neutering the cat was a poor hunter, then he is not going to be any better after the procedure. Although, there are exceptions to the rules.

Conclusion: Spaying helps to sharpen hunters instincts in female cats. But neutering does absolutely nothing for male cats, except (some times) making them lazy.

Longhaired or Shorthaired?

Cats with short fur are considered to be better hunters. And it is all because long fur, especially in wet weather, smells stronger. That makes it much more difficult for a cat to sneak up on it's victim. 

As for the color - cats with striped\spotted patterns of earth tones will have easier time hunting, basically they will have natural camouflage. White cats will have troubles blending with terrain, except maybe in the snow.