Are Cats Better Than Cats at Controlling Rats?
WouterWhen rats are a problem, traps are usually the best way to control the population. While traps are not as effective as catching them in the act, they can deter rats from the open spaces they prefer. Cats also tend to scare rats away from open spaces, funneling them into traps.
Cats and rats have different characteristics, but both are efficient at catching mice and rats. Rats, however, are more aggressive than mice. Pet rats are smaller and less aggressive than wild rats. The brown rat, which is commonly found in the UK, can weigh up to one kilogram. It can be vicious, so cats are better than mice for keeping the mice under control.
Researchers used motion-capture video cameras to study the interaction between cats and rats in a waste recycling facility in New York City. The study tracked the behavior of microchipped rats in the presence of cats. In 79 days, the researchers recorded 20 stalking events and three kill attempts. Two of these kill attempts were successful, while the third one failed. The presence of cats in the colony significantly changed the behavior of the rats.
Many people are concerned about the safety of cats and rats in their homes. But, they must understand that cats kill more mammals than birds, and birds tend to be weak and sick. A cat’s presence in a home can have a negative impact on a bird’s population, and cats are considered an invasive species.
