Will Cats Kill Rats? 5 Vet Tips on Feline Hunting Skills

The cat and rat rivalry is one of nature’s most iconic battles, a dynamic brilliantly immortalized in traditional stories beliefs and cartoons of ancient history.

Will cats kill rats? actually, everyone knows these answers. yes, Cats have been relied on for centuries to control rodent populations, but in recent centuries things have changed, and the relationship between humans and cats has changed too, making this question a whole lot more complex.

Now, let’s take a look into what is the real deal behind this myth about cats and rats.

The historical relationship between the cats and the rats

For as long as people have been writing books, they have been extolling cats as nature’s pest control agents.

These cats filled the role of rodent hunters long ago their ancestors were domesticated thousands of years ago in ancient Egypt, perhaps 4,000 years ago.

Early domesticated cats were prized for their ability to keep grain stores from rats and mice a very important task for agricultural societies.

Cats and rats were not just practical they were often symbolic. Cats were treated as protectors of homes and granaries, chasing away rodent tendencies that could destroy those things.

In the Middle Ages cats came aboard ships as rat control to tackle the menace of rats attacking food supplies and spreading disease.

As feral and barn cats still often are kept for their hunting prowess, their relationship is not over with.

Do All Rams Hunt Rats?

Some cats are better rat hunters than others. All cats have a natural predatory instinct, but the degree to which they follow it up on varies widely.

There are some cats that are really much into hunting and other cats are not very interested in the stalking of prey.

Rats are easy prey for feral cats, who survive outside and have to hunt to survive, compared to their more pampered domestic brethren.

Between them are stray cats, which may have had some interaction with hunting.

While many domestic cats (especially indoor ones) may simply miss out on the opportunity to hunt rats or even the inclination.

However, there is also a factor of the personality and breed. Siamese and Abyssinian breeds, for example, are high energy and liked to hunt.

But even within a specific breed temperament can vary from one individual to the next.

A laid back couch loving feline cat will probably not be interested in chasing rats, while a curious and active cat will.

Are Cats Good Rats Killers?

Cats are excellent hunters, they practice stealth, speed and good reflexes. Small mice make them especially good at catching them.

But the story gets more complicated with rats. Mice are smaller and less aggressive and tend to be easier to catch than rats, which are naturally larger and more cunning, and even more aggressive.

There are a number of reasons a cat will be successful at killing rats. The size of the rat affects this, however: smaller rats are not enough of a much for cats to handle, while larger rats may not be so meek.

The environment too plays a part, Cluttered spaces or places stuffed enough with hiding spots make it difficult for a cat to chase its prey into a corner.

Plus, what the rat does matters: some rats are bolder and more confrontational, while others hide.

Yet cats can, and do, kill rats, especially if they have a history or are eager hunters.

Still, while they aren’t infallible rat exterminators, they can be exceedingly effective or exceedingly ineffective.

Also read: Why Won’t My Cat Drink Water? 7 Hidden Health Issues

Cats Hunting Rats: The Risks 

The idea of putting a cat to work as a rat hunter may seem like common sense when it comes to having a pest problem, but it isn’t without risk.

Disease transmission is one of the main concerns. Aside from causing rats to get tetanus and die, rat bites, scratches, and ingestion can also pass diseases such as leptospirosis, toxoplasmosis, and plague onto cats.

Rats pose another risk, they are a physical danger. Cats should also be warned that larger or particularly aggressive rats, plus inexperienced or unprepared cats, can give the cat serious wounds. Rats can give you scratches and bites which can result in infections or infections.

Secondary poisoning is one often overlooked danger. If eaten, cats can pass the toxins of these rodents trod poisons on to rats, who then eat them.

Any of this can result in a serious cat medical problem or even the cat’s death.

Also read: Why Is My Cat Suddenly Clingy? 5 Surprising Vet Reasons

Signs Your Cat May Be Hunting Rats

When your cat has been hunting rats, there are sure telltale signs. Increased stalking, pouncing or hiding in places where you know rats will be are all behavioural signs that your cat is hunting.

Your cat may also choose to share ‘gifts’ of dead or injured rodents another natural behaviour based on the instinct to share a catch with family.

Other physical evidence can also be a sign that your cat has been rodent hunting whether this be scratches, bites or actual remains of the rat.

If you think your cat has come into contact with rats, keep an eye on how they’re doing, and if you have any worries, see a vet.

Also read: Why Is My Cat Obsessed With Me? bad cat behaviour

Alternatives to Cats for Rat Control

Cats may be effective in the control of rat populations, but you can’t always guarantee they will do the job.

Most pest control methods, in the modern age, usually traps or bait stations are more reliable and efficient. All of these methods can be used synergistically with cats.

The ethical debate about pest control is another. Some people opt for the natural remedy cats but others suggest using humane traps or deterrents.

In the end, the best approach is situation dependent, just as the values of the individual or community are.

Also read: Why Is My Cat Gagging? Common Causes and What to Do

Why no one should believe cats will solve the rat problem everywhere

Perhaps one of the most persistent myths about cats is that they are one sure method of ridding one’s room of rats.

Though cats will surely assist in diminishing rodent numbers, they aren’t the red pill.

Cats and rats are a match even for the strongest of hunters because rats are such masters of imitation in city environments–where food and shelter are abundant–they will often outsmart or evade their feline frenemy.

Also, not all cats have a fascination with hunting rats, and the ones which do may not be able to keep pace with a population of rats that is rapidly reproducing.

If you’re thinking about your pest control opportunities, it’s important to set realistic expectations and exercise a multifaceted approach.

Also read: Do Cats Have Good Listening? – secret Truth! By VET

Keeping Cats Safe While Allowing Them to Hunt

If you permit your cat to hunt rats, it is important that you do everything you can to keep that cat safe.

Vaccinates and parasites need to be under regular control to prevent the diseases that can be spread from rats.

Monitoring your cat’s outdoor activity can help to minimize risks as well as being able to make sure that your cat has a safe environment to explore.

It basically amounts to balancing your cat’s natural instincts with responsible pet ownership. Offer enrichment activities, like toys and game activities that satisfy their prey drive with a little less risk.

wrap up on Will Cats Kill Rats?

So, will cats kill rats? The answer is nuanced. Most cats can and will hunt rats, but how well it will be done depends on many factors including how experienced they are and how big the rat.

Not only does allowing cats to hunt rats result in disease transmission and potential injury to the cats but it is also somewhat dangerous to have in a zero waste restaurant.

In the end, cats can be a part of helping with rat populations, but they are no one size fits all answer.

The best way to deal with rodent problems is to use a combination of modern pest control methods, owner responsibility for treatment and intervention, and realistic expectations of results.

The more you understand about the cat rat dynamic, the better choices you’ll make regarding how they live with or without each other, as well as your living space.

Also read: Can Cats Eat Dog Food? A Pet Owner’s best solutions

FAQ: Will Cats Kill Rats?