Can Mice Get Your Cat Sick?

You walk into your kitchen late at night, only to spot your cat sitting triumphantly over a freshly caught mouse. If you’re like most cat owners, your reaction is a mix of pride in your feline’s hunting skills…and a shiver of unease. 

That unease? It’s well-placed. While society often treats cats as nature’s perfect pest controllers, the truth is a little messier. Yes, mice can potentially make your cat sick—and that’s something every homeowner should know about.

Sure, your furry companion has the instincts of their wild ancestors, but they’re not immune to the health risks associated with their prey. 

While you might be wondering, “Will a house cat eat a mouse?” (spoiler alert—they probably will, given the chance), the bigger question is whether that midnight snack could spell trouble for your pet’s health. 

The short answer? It absolutely could.

What Makes Mice Dangerous to Cats?

Mice may seem like harmless snacks—or adversaries, depending on your cat’s willingness to eat what they catch—but behind those beady eyes and whiskers, they can be carrying a whole load of trouble. 

Here’s why mice can pose a risk to your cat’s health:

Parasites Galore 

Wild mice often act as little mobile condos for parasites, and they bring those unwanted guests with them when your cat decides to pounce. 

Toxoplasmosis is one of the big names here—a parasitic infection that, while often harmless to humans, can cause serious issues for cats. It’s not just parasites, though. Mice can also carry fleas, ticks, and even roundworms, all of which can hitch a ride into your home via your unsuspecting pet.

Diseases and Bacteria 

Beyond parasites, there’s a delightful roster of diseases that mice can carry. Ever heard of leptospirosis? It’s a bacterial infection that can transfer from mice to cats and even to humans, leading to kidney damage, liver failure, or worse when left untreated. 

Salmonella is another bacteria mice are known to harbor, adding yet another reason to discourage your furry friend from snacking on them.

Toxic Exposure 

Here’s a less obvious risk that might not immediately cross your mind. If the mouse rummaging through your pantry has consumed any rat poison, it could spell disaster for your cat. 

Secondary poisoning happens when a predator (like your cat) eats a rodent that has been exposed to toxic bait. The effects can be serious, ranging from internal bleeding to neurological complications. Yikes.

Will a House Cat Eat a Mouse?

If your cat is fed a regular diet of kibble or wet food and lounges on the couch most of the day, you might think they’d have no interest in chasing or eating a mouse. Not so fast.

Cats come hardwired with an instinct to hunt. Even the laziest of house cats is likely to get curious about a scurrying rodent. What happens after the chase, though, depends on your cat. 

Some cats might lose interest as soon as the mouse stops moving, while others might go all the way and snack on it. 

The problem arises when the latter happens. For cats in this mouse-eating category, the risks we’ve covered—parasites, diseases, and toxic exposure—come into play.

How Can You Protect Your Cat?

Now that you know the risks, you’re probably wondering how to keep your adventurous feline safe (and your home free of mouse-related drama). Here are a few steps to consider:

1. Address Your Rodent Problem 

The simple truth? Mice shouldn’t be in your home in the first place. While your cat might be good at catching the occasional rogue mouse, fully solving the issue often requires professional intervention. 

Don’t rely solely on your pet to handle pest control—they’re not equipped for a full-scale infestation.

2. Keep Your Cat Indoors 

Outdoor cats face an even higher risk of encountering infected or poisoned rodents. By keeping your feline friend inside, you reduce their exposure to such dangers considerably. Plus, indoor cats tend to live longer, healthier lives overall.

3. Maintain Regular Vet Visits 

Routine veterinary check-ups are essential in catching and treating any illnesses your cat might pick up from a mouse encounter. Make sure your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations and discuss preventative treatments for parasites like fleas and ticks with your vet.

4. Keep an Eye on Weird Behavior 

If your cat does manage to catch and eat a mouse, monitor them closely for any unusual symptoms over the next few days. Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or a sudden change in behavior could indicate an issue—and that’s your cue to call the vet.

5. Block Entry Points 

Help prevent mice from entering your home in the first place by sealing gaps, caulking cracks, and plugging holes where rodents might sneak in. The fewer mice in your living space, the less likely your cat is to come into contact with them.

Do Cats and Mice Mix?

Here’s the thing—cats have been chasing mice since the dawn of time, but in your clean, modern home, it’s a recipe for potential problems. 

Whether or not your house cat decides to eat a mouse, the mere interaction with one can lead to health risks. While it might feel like you’re discouraging your cat’s natural instincts when you prevent them from hunting mice, you’re ultimately doing them a favor.

Caring for your cat means eliminating potential exposure to rodents and keeping an eye on their overall health. Mice can make great cartoon nemeses, but in your home, they’re far less charming. For those serious about managing a rodent problem—and keeping your cat safe in the process—consider bringing in the pros.

Call Summit Pest Solutions in Edmond, OK, and say goodbye to unwanted pests for good. 

Whether it’s mice, rats, or anything else with whiskers that doesn’t belong in your home, we’ll help you take the right steps to reclaim your space. Because a mouse-free home is a happier home—for you and your cat.