Do cats really eat mice, or is it just a tale as old as time, from Tom and Jerry to Lucifer, Jaq, and Gus from Disney’s Cinderella. But are these fictional depictions realistic? It depends on the cat.

We spoke to cat behaviorist Ro Delrose of Feline Fab in Chicago to learn about the real relationship between cats and mice, if cats truly hunt and eat the little rodents, and if getting a cat will solve a mouse problem in your home or business.

What Is a Mouser?

Have you ever heard the term “mouser?” A “mouser” is simply a fond nickname for cats that catch mice and rats. Pretty straightforward. The term is most fitting for cats specifically adopted to catch mice in settings like barns and farmhouses, such as Delrose’s childhood farm.

“A big part of why I understand cats so well is because I grew up on a farm near Morris, Ill.,” Delrose says. “We had a corn farm, so we had lots of field mice and upwards of 20 barn cats at our peak. I spent a lot of time with those cats catching, watching them hunt and interact with each other.”

There’s no special course cats have to complete for the “mouser” nickname to ring true. If your cat has hunted and caught even one mouse, you’ve got a mouser.

Why Do Cats Hunt?

Every cat has hunting instincts, whether they are an indoor or outdoor cat. For them, hunting is a game, one of their favorite pastimes.

“From the cat’s perspective, [hunting] is mostly about how it’s fun,” Delrose says. “The interesting thing is that cats don’t necessarily have the instinct to kill; they have the instinct to catch. It’s likely they won’t kill [a mouse] on purpose.”

What If My Cat Eats a Mouse?

However, sometimes a cat will kill and eat a mouse, especially if they used to be an outdoor cat that had to hunt their own food, Delrose adds. If your cat does ingest a mouse, monitor them closely.

“While it’s completely normal for cats to eat mice and other rodents, it’s not without risk,” Jenna Stregowski, RVT, Daily Paws Pet Health and Behavior Editor says. “Potential dangers include pathogens (such as bacteria), parasites, pesticides, and injury from eating bones and large pieces of cartilage.”

If you suspect your cat has eaten a mouse, keep an eye out for:

Additionally, you never know what that mouse was carrying around before your cat caught up with it.

“All cats need routine parasite prevention, but this is especially important for cats who eat prey,” Stregowski says.

Will Mice Stay Away If I Have Cats?

Many people say adopting a cat is the key to solving a mice infestation. But is this true? Delrose says yes, having a feline friend or two can dissuade mice from hanging around your home.

“In Chicago, when the winter’s really bad, the mice are willing to risk it and wait until a cat is sleeping,” Delrose says. “However, I do think it’s less likely. In my current apartment, where I have three cats, the exterminator spent about three minutes checking for mice before noting my cats and leaving.”

But even if you don’t have mice for your cat to chase away—which is hopefully all of us—it’s vital that you satisfy your cat’s urge to hunt.

“The hunting instinct is so important to address in cats,” Delrose says. “If you don’t give them enough hunting, they will hunt their friends.”

How To Curb Undesirable Hunting

According to Delrose, whether you have a kitten or an adult cat, one truth is universal.

“There’s a million naughty behaviors that come from cats being bored,” Delrose says. “If they’re bored and not getting enough hunting time, they could hunt a dog or you.” If you’re having problems with your cat biting or seemingly attacking you out of nowhere, their hunting instinct is probably not being met properly.

The best way to stop your cats from hunting household friends is to have scheduled and structured playtime every day, preferably in the evening. “Leaving toys out and using automatic toys isn’t enough,” Delrose says.

How to Properly Play With Your Cat

Delrose recommends adhering to the three rounds of play method to ensure your cat’s needs are met.

“Doing multiple bursts is the way cats get the most tired,” Delrose says. “Playtime and hunting is different for cats versus dogs and humans.”

Cats will play with a variety of different toys, but if you want to engage those hunting instincts, a fake mouse toy or pulling nearly anything on a string will do the trick. Delrose says to make realistic movements with whatever toy you choose to simulate a real hunt.

“Think of it like a good book, game, or movie. If you can immerse your cat in playtime enough so they can suspend their disbelief, then they will feel that same satisfaction.”

Here’s how the three rounds of play break down.

First Round

This round is the longest, about 15 minutes or however long it takes for your cat to get worn out.

“They will be breathing heavily, cooling down, and resting,” Delrose says. “Then, they’re going to be ready to go again.

Second Round

This round is much shorter than round one, around five minutes. Round two ends when your kitty stops again to rest, exhibiting the same behaviors as round one. Then, after a brief period of rest, gear up for one last round—the briefest of the three.

Third Round

Finish your playtime session with another minute or two of playing followed by either a treat or a meal. Feeding your cat after playtime, whether a couple of treats or their full dinner, is a very important and natural conclusion.

“It’ll make [your cat] feel like ‘I went on a hunt and finally caught the prey and ate it,'” Delrose says.

This structured playtime can do wonders in curbing naughty behaviors. Cats are intelligent animals and will understand that playtime is the correct time of day for mischief and play. Playtime is just as much a need as a proper diet.

“Once you figure out what your pets need, they become nicer!” Delrose says.