Even cats may not keep mice from reaching their food: a surprising danger to know
A mouse in the apartment
The writer recalls befriending a small brown mouse that appeared in the stairwell of a former apartment. It would emerge as the writer left home and follow along down the stairs.
After the writer and her husband returned from vacation, their cat, Fiona, seemed unusually proud. The mouse was dead on the dining room floor.
Food can attract mice
Mice are attracted to wet food and dry kibble. Dry food is easy for them to carry away and eat somewhere else. Keeping a cat at home may not be enough to deter mice, which can avoid being caught. Kelly Hood, a veterinarian speaking for Pet Health Digest, advises caution wherever cat food is kept or left.
Watch for symptoms
If a cat eats food after a mouse has reached it, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, reduced interest in food, or unusual sleepiness. If any of these symptoms appear, take the cat to a veterinarian right away.
Key points
- Mice may be attracted to both wet cat food and dry kibble.
- Dry kibble can be carried away and eaten elsewhere.
- A cat in the home may not keep mice away.
- Seek veterinary care if symptoms appear after a cat eats food a mouse reached.