is it safe for cats to eat mice?

While hunting is a natural instinct for cats, consuming mice carries substantial health risks in a domestic environment. The primary concerns include parasitic infections. Mice are intermediate hosts for several parasites, including roundworms (*Toxocara cati*) and tapeworms (*Taenia taeniaeformis*), which can cause gastrointestinal upset, nutrient malabsorption, and other health issues in cats. More critically, mice can carry *Toxoplasma gondii*, the protozoan responsible for toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease that can cause severe neurological, respiratory, or ocular disease in cats and can be transmitted to humans.

Another significant danger is secondary poisoning. If a cat eats a mouse that has ingested rodenticides (rat poison), the cat can suffer severe, often fatal, poisoning. Symptoms can include internal bleeding, neurological signs, or organ damage, depending on the type of poison. Bacterial infections, such as Salmonella, are also a risk, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Furthermore, ingesting bones or other hard parts of a mouse can cause physical injuries like punctures or obstructions in the cat's digestive tract. For these reasons, it is strongly advised to prevent cats from eating mice.

Warning: If you suspect your cat has eaten a mouse, especially one that may have been poisoned or appears ill, contact your veterinarian immediately.