Quck answer
While cats have long been thought of as natural rat catchers, recent studies show that this may not be the case. In fact, cats are only successful at catching rats about a third of the time. This is due to a variety of factors, including the fact that rats are fast, agile, and often smarter than cats. Additionally, many domestic cats have lost their hunting instincts due to their pampered lifestyles. While cats can still play a role in deterring rats through their presence and scent, they should not be relied upon as the sole method of pest control.
Wild Animals
According to a recent study, cats are more likely to ignore rats than to attack them. This research is the first to investigate the interactions between feral cats and city rats. Tracey Long/Getty Images
For at least 10,000 years, humans have tolerated the arrogant nature of cats, largely because these furry feline companions are excellent at controlling vermin like mice. However, a new study published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution in September suggests that cats, while effective at killing small birds and mice, may have little impact on rat populations.
In 2017, Michael Parsons of Fordham University and his team microchipped and monitored approximately 60 rats living in a recycling center in Brooklyn, New York. The researchers manipulated the rat population by introducing various rat pheromones to observe how these chemicals would affect the rats’ behavior. The feral cats, likely attracted by the scent of potential prey, entered the building as an unintended consequence of these experiments.
Initially, the researchers tried and failed to remove the unwanted felines, as they were unfamiliar with the difficulty of controlling cats. They then decided to include the five cats in the study to see how they would affect the rats.
With hundreds of video clips as evidence, the scientists observed only 20 stalking attempts, three kill attempts, and two successful kills by the cats during the 79-day experiment. Most of the time, the cats ignored the rats.
The kill rate is quite low. However, the researchers found that for every additional cat sighting, a rat was 1.19 times more likely to seek shelter. They concluded that this might be why people believe that cats are good at controlling rat populations.
“People see fewer rats and assume it’s because the cats have killed them — whereas it’s actually due to the rats changing their behavior,” says lead researcher Michael Parsons in a press statement.
Why are cats not more aggressive hunters? Feral cats probably instinctively understand that a single bite from a hefty 12-ounce (337-gram) rat could result in a life-changing (or life-ending) injury. Other research has also shown that cats are more likely to kill birds and small rodents, such as mice, which typically weigh only 1 ounce (30 grams) and do not put up as much of a fight.
“We are not saying that cats will not predate city rats, only that conditions must be right for it to happen,” says paper co-author Michael A. Deutsch of the Arrow Exterminating Company Inc. in the same press statement. “The cat must be hungry, have no alternative less-risky food source, and usually needs the element of surprise.”
The researchers suggest replicating this experiment in a location with less food available than a waste management facility in New York City to better understand the conditions that lead to successful cat-rat interactions.
Now That’s Interesting
A program called Blue Collar Cats began in Washington D.C. in 2017, where unadoptable feral cats are released into rat-infested neighborhoods upon request to help control rodent populations. Although some questioned the wisdom of doing so, the president of the Humane Rescue Alliance, the organization behind the program, explained in a Washington Post letter that the cats were “meant to deter rodents, not solve the city’s rodent problem.” The scent of cats will undoubtedly keep rats on the move.
FAQ
1. Is it really true that cats are not good at catching rats?
Yes, despite the popular belief that cats are natural rat hunters, research has shown that they are not as effective as other predators such as dogs and ferrets.
2. Why do people think that cats are good at catching rats?
It is likely due to their reputation as hunters and their ability to catch small prey such as mice and birds. However, rats are much larger and faster than mice, making them more difficult to catch.
3. Are there any breeds of cats that are better at catching rats?
There is no evidence to suggest that any specific breed of cat is better at catching rats than others. It ultimately depends on the individual cat’s hunting instincts and experience.
4. Can cats still be used for pest control even if they are not good at catching rats?
Yes, cats can still be effective at deterring rodents from entering a property through their scent and presence. However, other methods such as traps and poison may be more effective at actually eliminating the rat population.
5. What makes dogs and ferrets better at catching rats than cats?
Dogs and ferrets have a more aggressive hunting style and are able to move quickly and navigate tight spaces more easily than cats. They also have a stronger prey drive and are more persistent in their pursuit of prey.
6. Are there any downsides to using cats for pest control?
Yes, there are potential risks such as the spread of disease from contact with rodents and the risk of injury to the cat from encounters with larger rats. Additionally, some cats may lose interest in hunting after being domesticated.
7. How can you tell if your cat is a good rat hunter?
Some signs that your cat may be a good rat hunter include a strong prey drive, agility, and a tendency to stalk and pounce on small objects. However, even if your cat displays these traits, it may not necessarily be effective at catching rats.
8. Are there any benefits to having cats around even if they are not good at catching rats?
Yes, cats can provide companionship and help reduce stress and anxiety in their owners. They can also help control other pests such as mice and insects.
9. Can training improve a cat’s ability to catch rats?
While training can improve a cat’s hunting instincts and agility, there is no guarantee that it will make them more effective at catching rats. It ultimately depends on the individual cat’s innate abilities and experience.
10. What other methods can be used for rat control besides cats?
Traps, poison, and exclusion methods such as sealing off entry points are all effective methods for controlling rat populations. Professional pest control services may also be necessary for severe infestations.
11. Should people stop using cats for pest control altogether?
No, cats can still be effective at deterring rodents and providing companionship. However, it is important to recognize their limitations as rat hunters and use other methods in conjunction with cats for effective pest control.
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