For centuries, cats have been used to get rid of invasive rodents. Not all cats are avid hunters, but which one is the best cat for mice? And, what should you look for if you need a good mouser?

Below, we’ll examine 13 breeds that may be helpful hunters and good pets. From America to Egypt, they come in all sizes but have the same instinctive drive to leave no mouse alive. Find out which traits set them apart so that you can find one for your home.

The 13 Best Cats for Catching Mice

1. Maine Coon

As one of the largest domestic cat breeds, the Maine Coon is an American-born breed. The cats that settlers brought to Maine crossed with the native breeds and created the long-haired, hardy Maine Coon. Beloved for their easy-going personality and superior mousing abilities, the Maine Coon became a staple on farms and homesteads. Even today, they are still a favorite among pet owners.

Weighing up to an impressive 25 pounds, the Maine Coon can handle rats and other large rodents that may be a problem, making them one of the best cats for mice. You can enjoy your home with peace of mind when a Maine Coon is by your side.

2. Chartreux

Dating back hundreds of years, the Chartreux is a French breed known as a pleasant house pet and an intimidating predator. With an athletic build, they’re fast and deadly when it comes to mice.

In between the games they love to play, their strong prey instinct will send them stalking and pouncing on any invaders. They were a favorite on French farms and are still loved today for their friendly nature and knack for pest control.

3. Persians

Although you may think of Persian cats as fluffy showpieces for your home, they are highly skilled hunters. They are very intelligent, and the prey instinct is especially strong in females. If a Persian knows there is a mouse close by, they will take care of the matter with startling efficiency.

For a cat that hunts but doesn’t climb the cupboards with energy, Persians are the ideal solution. They aren’t as active and inquisitive as other breeds, but they still get the job done. If you want a cat that combines beauty and brains, try getting a female Persian and enjoy a mouse-free environment.

4. Burmese

Burmese cats combine intelligence, playfulness, and expert hunting skills. With their playful, friendly personalities, they are good housepets for families. However, one of their best talents is mouse-catching. As expert hunters, the Burmese cat could survive purely off of their kills.

The playfulness that makes your Burmese so endearing turns them into a nightmare for the mouse. Unfortunately, they like to play with their food before dispatching it. However, their effectiveness is undeniable.

5. Japanese Bobtail

Initially used in Korean silk factories for rodent control, the Japanese Bobtail is another breed that makes excellent house pets. They are playful and entertaining and love water. But they are also natural hunters.

While your Japanese Bobtail can be a perfect companion, they may leave your side to dispose of mice that venture into their territory. You can rest easy at night knowing that you are in a mouse-free zone, thanks to the Japanese Bobtail.

6. American Shorthair

The American Shorthair, after originating in England, became American when crossing the ocean with the pilgrims. They were prized for their ability to decrease the mouse populations on ships, which were a serious health danger for all those aboard.

American Shorthair cats are affectionate and make ideal house pets. They possess their ancestors’ hunting instincts and will ensure that no mouse dares poke his nose into your home.

7. Siberian

The Siberian is a hunting cat breed that is superb at dealing with mice and rats. With their larger bodies, they can easily take care of giant rodents. Reaching up to 20 pounds, the Siberian sports a thick, rich coat that served them well in their home country of Russia. They’re surprisingly graceful and quick to hunt down any uninvited guests.

Siberians have an appealing blend of intelligence and affection and love being close to people. They’re athletic and playful, which comes in handy when the time comes to hunt.

8. Turkish Angora

Originating in Turkey, the Turkish Angora developed naturally without selective breeding. They have a finely tuned hunting instinct, lightning speed, and sure-footed balance. With their high intelligence, Turkish Angoras can easily fit into your home and become a beloved pet.

They bond well with their owners and love being in the middle of the action. But they’ll also ensure that no mouse will ever stay in your domain for long.

9. Manx

Another one of the best cats for mice is the Manx. This breed established their reputation as an exceptional hunter long ago on ships. They came from the Isle of Man between England and Ireland and were a favorite among sailors and farmers. Their ability to keep mice populations down made them a valuable asset.

Manx cats have long hind legs and no tails due to a natural mutation. They are very social and like to stay close to their owners. They are also intelligent and understand spoken words better than other breeds. Manx cats are well-suited to protecting your home because they can take down larger prey.

10. Siamese

As a favorite among the royal family of Thailand, Siamese cats were just as well known for their hunting abilities as they were for their regal looks. When their royal owners died, the cats would live in the temple that housed the deceased person’s remains. They made sure that the monks lived in a mouse-free environment. Today, their natural hunting instinct serves them well as beloved housepets.

They’re social almost to a fault and require lots of attention and interaction. Their high intelligence demands stimulation and serves them well if a mouse dares venture into their domain.

11. Bengals

With a wild heritage from the Asian leopard cat, the Bengal is quite possibly the best cat for mice. They are natural hunters with acute instincts. Females are more aggressive predators than males, but both are highly intelligent and make good pets.

Bengals are naturally curious and love to explore their environments—no mouse will remain undiscovered. If a mouse is within smelling distance, you can rest assured that it won’t be there for long.

12. Chausie

The Chausie cat comes from Egypt and sports the athletic build of their ancestors. They can weigh up to 25 pounds and make imposing predators to any small intruders.

Throughout their lives, Chausie cats maintain a curious nature that makes them effective mousers. With their playful and social nature, you can enjoy them as pets while they turn your home into a pest-free zone.

13. Abyssinian

Bursting with energy, the Abyssinian is highly active and loves to be on the prowl for mice. Between playing games with you and any other pets, there is nothing they love better than catching and disposing of unwanted rodents. With such high energy levels, the Abyssinian won’t sleep all day in your lap, but they will ensure that mice will never disturb you.

Cats & Pest Control

As a general rule, all cats, regardless of their breed, are not considered effective in terms of their ability to control a rodent infestation. Pet cats in particular have a questionable success rate, as well fed cats typically hunt less successfully than wild, hungry cats.¹ However, all cats that are healthy and able-bodied can instinctively hunt.

Cats are not entirely risk-free when they hunt mice. Mice carry diseases and parasites that can make your cat ill, and therefore, if your cat frequently catches mice, you should consider more frequent vet visits to ensure that they are in good health.

If you are experiencing a rodent infestation, it is best to consult a pest control authority, as mice that aren’t bred and raised as pets pose a considerable health risk to humans and animals. Their urine and droppings need to be properly disinfected as well, as these too can lead to health issues for you, your family, and your pet cat.

Conclusion

We discussed the top cat breeds, which are great hunters and good pets. Cats do hunt mice, but they aren’t the most effective means of pest control. The best hunting cat breeds can be good companions and help keep the mice away, but if you are experiencing an infestation of rodents, it’s best to consult pest control specialists.

A cat that frequently hunts mice might be a welcome addition to your home in some circumstances. However, they are at increased risk of contracting diseases and parasites from their prey, and require more frequent veterinary checkups to ensure that they are in good health.

• See also: Can Cats and Rats Be Friends? Our Vet Answers & Explains

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