Cats are natural predators who, in the past, have been used to reduce mice and rat populations. However, if there is a pest infestation in your home, you shouldn’t adopt or rely on a feline family member for rodent removal. The guide below explains the reasons why this is dangerous.

3 Reasons Your Cats Shouldn’t Serve as Pest Control 

1. Rodents Carry Diseases

Rodents can carry a variety of diseases, so when a cat interacts with or eats one, there’s a good chance it will get sick. Your cat’s illness may also spread to your family.

For instance, some cats who eat rodents contract toxoplasmosis, an infection caused by a parasite. Once the parasite ends up in the cat’s feces, it can infect nearby humans and cause serious complications, especially for pregnant women or those with weakened immune systems. For your family’s health, call for professional rodent removal as soon as you spot an intruder.

2. Your Cat Might Lack Hunting Skills 

Not all cats can trap and kill rodents with ease. Depending on their personalities, some cats will let a rodent run free after playing with it for a few minutes. Other cats may even avoid rodents due to fear. Simply put, you can’t depend on a cat to trap or kill every rodent it sees.

3. Cats Can’t Provide a Permanent Solution

Even if your cat does catch a few rodents, the infestation isn’t over. First of all, most rodents reproduce rapidly. For example, one mouse can produce up to 10 litters of five to six offspring in just one year, and those offspring can start reproducing in only six weeks.

Moreover, cats can’t access the interior walls, crawlspaces, or attics where rodents tend to nest. That means your cat could spend every minute hunting and still not keep your home mice- and rat-free, especially if the pests continue to enter through unsealed cracks, holes, and gaps.

 

For safe, permanent rodent removal, turn to the team at Hi-Tech Pest Pros. Based in Houston, TX, these pest control specialists use state-of-the-art equipment to get rid of rodents and seal their methods of entry so they can’t return. Learn more about the locally owned and operated company online, and call (281) 335-5725 for a free estimate.