How to Stop a Cat From Bringing in Live Mice

There are different theories about why cats bring live mice into your house. According to the Pet's Corner column in British newspaper The Independent, the mice are a present for you, to show appreciation. The website for the cat-loving Friendly Haven Farm says your pet may be trying to help you learn to hunt, as her mother did for her. Whatever honorable motivations your cat may have, dealing with a wounded rodent is still inconvenient. You can try different things to stop a cat from bringing in live mice.

Things You'll Need

  • Collar with bell
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Instructions

    • 1

      Put a bell on your cat's collar. This may help prevent her from catching mice, since it will tip them off that she is around. However, if your neighborhood has coyotes, dogs or other creatures that might prey on cats, you may not want to do this, since the bell can tip off predators too.

    • 2

      Catch any live mice your cat brings in and put them outside in view of your cat. This will show the cat you don't want him bringing in a mouse.

    • 3

      Keep your cat indoors. The cat is probably bringing in live mice he has caught outside. Keeping him inside will stop him from getting to them in the first place.

    • 4

      Build a shelter in your backyard and lock your cat out at night. Allow him inside in the morning if he doesn't have a mouse, and keep him locked in the house all day. If you can't bring yourself to stop your cat from roaming, this is the next best solution.