My childhood is filled with memories of watching poor Tom relentlessly chasing wise Jerry and speedy Gonzalez, outsmarting Sylvester’s newest hunting tricks. These iconic cat-mouse duo contributed to the enduring idea that cats will go to great lengths to capture their prized prey. However, as an avid cat lover, I know that real-life cats can be very lazy and even indifferent to the presence of rodents.
But what about rats? Are cats really witty and relentless creatures that can invade your home at will, or is cat smell enough to keep them at bay? Unfortunately, cat smell alone may not be enough to keep mice out of your home. In fact, these little rodents can invade your home even if they sense your cat’s presence.
We will discuss the interesting behavior of these animals.
How can rats sense a cat’s scent?
Rats, even those that have spent their entire lives in labs, exhibit fearful behaviors when exposed to the odors of certain predators such as cats (as well as rats, foxes, and weasels). These predators produce chemical signals that trigger fear responses in mice.
This fascinating behavior was described by scientists at the Scripps Research Institute and published in a prestigious journal. cell.1 Mice can detect specific proteins in cat saliva. This protein acts on neurons in the vomeronasal organ, a sensory organ in the nasal cavity. These chemical signals caused the mice to display obvious signs of fear, such as freezing in place.
So, is your cat’s scent enough to keep mice away?
Despite the noticeable effect cat odor has on rats, it cannot be considered sufficient to keep them all at bay. First, rats have a big advantage over cats. Due to their size, rats can fit in very small spaces. So while a cat can smell a cat, being able to find a small hole to hide in and observe the danger from a distance may not be enough to scare the cat.
Mice are also excellent breeding machines.Females can give birth to up to 15 pups per year, with an average litter size of 10-12 puppies. This means that one tiny mouse can give birth to up to 150 babies per year. That’s why you can’t expect your kitten to catch all mice, even if they’re very skilled mouse hunters.
Some events were daunting discover On why rats keep invading homes despite having multiple cats: Some rodents can permanently lose their innate fear of cats. This extraordinary “ability” is due to a microscopic parasite called toxoplasma gondii It infects the mouse brain. The researchers believe that the infection causes permanent changes in the rodent brains, making them unable to detect the smell of cat urine. The parasite may also directly alter neurons involved in memory and learning, which could explain why affected mice permanently lose their fear of cats.
how to get rid of rats
As you can see, cats are not able to work on their own. So here are some tips to keep rats out of your home and prevent them from getting in in the first place.
- Keep your kitchen counter clean. Pick up the crumbs and place the food in an airtight jar.
- Please close the trash can tightly. Strong food odors are exactly what attract mice.
- Seal cracks, pipes and holes to keep rodents out of your home. Use materials that rats won’t chew on (metal, cement, aluminum foil, steel wool, wire mesh, etc.). Also check to see if it will fit under your door.
- If you suspect a major intrusion, your best option is to call an exterminator.
final thoughts
A burning cat smell may help to some extent, but it’s not a surefire way to keep mice away. If you are dealing with a rodent problem, you should take proactive steps to get rid of existing rodents and prevent new rodent infestations. This may include sealing entry points, storing food in airtight containers, and using traps and other rodent control methods.
That said, you have nothing to lose by letting your cat do its part and shooing away any rats that unfortunately cross your path.
Featured image credit: Eric Isselee, Shutterstock
About the author
Ivy’s mom cat is a lively little rescue kitten who is her only child. At this point! Throughout her life, she has known the special love found in the bond she has with her cat. Having owned multiple cats, she is convinced that their love is unmatched, unconditional, and unlike any other animal. With a passion for educating the public about everything from cat biology, behavior and unique personalities, Krystal encourages all cats and their owners to live and love consciously. I am dedicated to making people aware of the importance of