The tall tale is legendary and long-standing: cats and mice. We’ve seen it evidenced in cartoons, stories, movies and more. Our take-away is usually one of cat gets mouse. But that ian’t always the case.
Many people believe a house cat will take care of any mouse problems. But is that true? Do cats really get rid of mice? Sure, your feline friend can expose a mouse problem, but he might not be the end-all solution to that problem. The website, catseyepest.com, offers some insight into the cats and mice issue
Keeping Mice Out of your Living Space: False Confidence?
Just because cats might be able to keep mice out of your living areas doesn’t mean the mice aren’t still there. They have nesting places to which cats don’t have access, such as in the attic, basement, walls or crawlspaces. While mice may know a cat is in the home, they find other ways to avoid the cat by moving throughout these unreachable areas.
Is Every Cat a Mouse Hunter?
Sure, the stereotype is out there. If a cat sees a mouse, it’s game on! But, believe it or not, some cats are just plain frightened of mice. And good luck getting the hunter within to do anything about the mice issue at that point.
Mice are Just Part of the Problem
Even though your cat might be able to successfully hunt and trap a mouse, be wary of the unwanted “gifts” cats can get in return: fleas, ticks and other parasites from catching and eating mice. Disease can easily spread from the mice to the cat, as well as to YOU. If you put your cat at the front lines of trapping the mice, you could put him and your family at risk.
Mice, Mice Everywhere!
Even though you might think you have your mice problem under control, you may be kidding yourself. Why? Mice reproduce quickly, so keeping up with them would be quite the challenge. It is best to have the potential infestation treated professionally. In other words, call a pest control specialist and don’t rely on your cat to get the job done.
So, if you suspect you have a mice problem in your home, consult with a professional to rid yourself of the problem. Yes, your cat’s presence may deter the mice from coming within full view, but just because they are out of sight doesn’t mean they are not there.
Written by Ann Butenas
An internationally-recognized author and writer, Ann began her professional writing career at age 12 and began speaking while in college. She has been published thousands of times over the past three decades in all media forms, was former editor and publisher of KC Metro Woman magazine, and has also hosted three talk radio shows in the Kansas City area.
