How do cats kill rats?

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John P

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
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We adopted a lovely little black cat who has started the habit of leaving dead rats on our front doorstep as admiration for our care. I understand cats do this to please their owners. She's delivered 3 so far in the past two weeks, twice during the daylight hours which is even more impressive (I thought rats only came out at night?).

The thing that's got me baffled is that the cat is tiny and slender and the rats are pretty good size. From tip of the rat's nose to tip of the tail longer than the cat - but not as much mass obviously. How in the heck is little kitty killing these things? I can't see it grabbing them in her mouth and shaking or tearing. Does she somehow leap on their backs and break their necks?

Any killer cat experts out there?

Thanks,
 
Savarak

Savarak

Platinum Member
Oct 27, 2001
2,718
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id be more concerned that there are so many rats running about in or near your house
 
KeithTalent

KeithTalent

Elite Member | Administrator | No Lifer
Administrator
Nov 30, 2005
50,231
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With guile and cunning, then sharp teeth and claws. Deadly combination all of that.

KT
 
S

spidey07

No Lifer
Aug 4, 2000
65,469
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Watch planet earth or other nature shows. Cats will kill and carry animals much bigger then they are.
 
J

John P

Platinum Member
Oct 9, 1999
2,426
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id be more concerned that there are so many rats running about in or near your house
Click to expand...

Before the last gift my wife saw kitty running up the street, so I think she's getting them up there somewhere.
 
G

Genx87

Lifer
Apr 8, 2002
41,091
513
126
Cats are very powerful for their size by the way their bodies are built. It doesnt surprise me if they take out a bigger animal. We had a small black cat that would bring back rabbits for us. The rabbits were bigger than him. Luckily it seemed like most of the time the rabbits were alive and we let them go.
 
Denithor

Denithor

Diamond Member
Apr 11, 2004
6,298
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Poor ratties!
:(

But yeah, my cats brought home squirrels, rabbits and even a possum once when I was younger with outdoor kitties.
 
skyking

skyking

Lifer
Nov 21, 2001
22,621
5,730
146
We had a female manx cat who thought she could kill anything. I watched her eyeing the neighbor's peakocks with malicious intent but she never did anything about it while I was observing. My brothers figured she took one on and got her ass kicked, but it never hurts to dream eh?:laugh:
 
Gooberlx2

Gooberlx2

Lifer
May 4, 2001
15,381
6
91
Originally posted by: John P
We adopted a lovely little black cat who has started the habit of leaving dead rats on our front doorstep as admiration for our care. I understand cats do this to please their owners. She's delivered 3 so far in the past two weeks, twice during the daylight hours which is even more impressive (I thought rats only came out at night?).

The thing that's got me baffled is that the cat is tiny and slender and the rats are pretty good size. From tip of the rat's nose to tip of the tail longer than the cat - but not as much mass obviously. How in the heck is little kitty killing these things? I can't see it grabbing them in her mouth and shaking or tearing. Does she somehow leap on their backs and break their necks?

Any killer cat experts out there?

Thanks,
Click to expand...

Generally, yes. Cats often kill by severing the spinal chord with their teeth from the rear, or crushing the wind pipe from the front. Shaking helps.
 
H

Howard

Lifer
Oct 14, 1999
47,982
10
81
Amongst their weaponry are such diverse elements as: fear, surprise, ruthless efficiency, an almost fanatical devotion to the Pope, and nice red uniforms - Oh damn!
 
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