How Do Cats Kill Rats?
WouterThe answer to the question “how do cats kill rats?” may surprise you. Feral cats do not hunt every rat they see. Instead, they pay attention to the environment. Moreover, they do not want to risk a fight with the rat population. In fact, cats become more wary of rats when their population grows.
Although some cats are frightened of rats and do not view them as prey, most will leave a dead rat alone. However, there are times when a cat may try to attack the rat. In that case, it may attempt to bite it, whip it with its tail, and kill it. This attack could cause severe damage or even death to the pet rat. Nevertheless, it is important to note that a cat may accidentally harm your pet rat, and you should always seek professional advice before putting it under such a circumstance.
Cats may enjoy the kill, but the potential risks far outweigh any potential benefits. A few studies have found that cats have a strong preference for smaller rodents, like mice and rats. However, the risk of injury is greater if the rat is a larger one. Even if a cat has experience killing rats, it is likely to reconsider hunting them when they are not around.
Feral cats may also eat rats as a means to survive. While cats don’t usually eat rats, they may occasionally catch a rat for fun or because they are bored. But the main reason they kill rats is because they like catching them, and a cat’s natural instincts are to hunt for prey. A cat’s superior sense of smell allows it to identify potential targets.
