{ "schema": "whattobuyfor/v1", "type": "situation", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/cat-bringing-in-mice/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/cat-bringing-in-mice.json", "publisher": "What to Buy For", "method": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/how-we-build-a-basket/", "pricesAsOf": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "priceNote": "Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on amazon.co.uk at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.", "affiliateDisclosure": "Links to Amazon are affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.", "title": "What to buy for a cat bringing in mice", "section": "pets", "answer": "Six things: a live-catch trap and gloves for tonight, then a microchip flap that keeps the cat in from dusk until after dawn, a litter tray for nights in, and daily hunting play with a wand and toy mice. A prey-spotting flap add-on is optional.", "published": "2026-09-28", "updated": "2026-09-28", "noindex": false, "whyThisBasket": [ "Built from Cats Protection, RSPCA, PDSA and SongBird Survival advice, and a University of Exeter trial of 355 cats that measured what cut the prey they brought home.", "Cats Protection says to keep a cat in from dusk until after dawn, when cats are most active, so the flap with a timer comes first: it locks up on schedule without you having to remember. A cat kept in needs a litter tray and water.", "Daily play is next. In the Exeter trial, five to ten minutes a day of play with a feather wand and a toy mouse cut the prey brought home by 25%.", "Hunting is instinct, and Cats Protection says not to punish a cat for it. Exeter's researchers say keeping a cat indoors is the only sure way to stop it; everything else reduces it." ], "basket": [ { "id": "tonight", "label": "Tonight", "intro": null, "countsTowardTotal": true, "roles": [ { "role": "A live-catch trap for a mouse that hides", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/cat-bringing-in-mice/#role-live-trap", "quantity": "1 pack of 2", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B0CP847PTB", "name": "ROSHIELD 2 X Humane MOUSE Traps for Indoors", "amazonTitle": "ROSHIELD 2 X Humane MOUSE Traps for Indoors and Outdoors, Duty Pest Trap for Catch Alive. Pets and Children Friendly. Reusable Rodent Mice Trap. Quick, Effective and Highly Sensitive Catcher", "brand": "Roshield", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51JQ872IGiL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CP847PTB", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0CP847PTB.json", "price": { "amount": 8.49, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": { "label": "Limited time deal", "note": null, "basis": "Amazon deal badge" }, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T19:50:00.637Z", "rating": 4.4, "ratings": 5002, "boughtLastMonth": "5K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 5, "category": "Rodent Control" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Catches mice alive with no injuries, ready to release", "count": 8 }, { "text": "Quick to bait and set, with no assembly", "count": 7 }, { "text": "Stays shut once sprung, so the mouse can be carried outside", "count": 3 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Very small mice can take the bait without setting it off", "count": 4 } ] }, "ourName": "Roshield humane mouse traps (2)", "ourTake": "Cats Protection's first step for a live mouse is to shut the cat in another room and gently guide the mouse out. If it hides, the RSPCA says a live-capture trap baited with food is an option, as long as you check it every two hours and then release the mouse outside. The listing says these traps shut a door behind the mouse when it steps on the pedal." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "Cats Protection: why do cats bring you dead animals?", "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/why-do-cats-bring-you-dead-animals", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "RSPCA: found an injured rat or mouse", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/rodents/injured", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "Rubber gloves kept for clearing up prey", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/cat-bringing-in-mice/#role-gloves", "quantity": "1 pair", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B001RYON24", "name": "Marigold Unisex El Gloves-large-1 Pair Marigold Extra Life", "amazonTitle": "Marigold Unisex El Gloves-large-1 Pair Marigold Extra Life Kitchen Gloves Large, Yellow, L (Pack of 1) (Packaging may vary)", "brand": "Marigold", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41yxKtZXo8L._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001RYON24", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B001RYON24.json", "price": { "amount": 2, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": { "amount": 2, "currency": "GBP" }, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:20:07.670Z", "rating": 4.7, "ratings": 4624, "boughtLastMonth": "6K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 3, "category": "Household Cleaning Tools" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 12, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Outlast cheaper gloves, so worth paying a little more", "count": 4 }, { "text": "Comfortable to wear and keep a good grip", "count": 5 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "With heavy daily use the rubber wears through in weeks or months", "count": 2 } ] }, "ourName": "Marigold Extra Life gloves, large", "ourTake": "Cats Protection says to wear gloves to pick up a dead mouse or bird, double bag it for the household bin and wash your hands well afterwards. Keep one pair just for this. These are triple layered and cotton lined, the listing says. The trap's listing also says to wear gloves when you release a mouse and when you clean the trap." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "Cats Protection: why do cats bring you dead animals?", "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/why-do-cats-bring-you-dead-animals", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] } ] }, { "id": "this-week", "label": "This week", "intro": null, "countsTowardTotal": true, "roles": [ { "role": "A microchip flap with a curfew timer", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/cat-bringing-in-mice/#role-curfew-flap", "quantity": "1", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B009NH6NR0", "name": "Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Pet Door for Cats", "amazonTitle": "Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Pet Door for Cats & Small Dogs with Curfew Timer, Compatible with RFID Collar Tags and Microchips, 1-Button Control, White, 4 x C Cell Batteries Required, Not Included", "brand": "SureFlap", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41U0B4aAthL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009NH6NR0", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B009NH6NR0.json", "price": { "amount": 116, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:39.797Z", "rating": 4.4, "ratings": 6945, "boughtLastMonth": "200+", "categoryRank": { "position": 1, "category": "Smart Cat Flaps" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Neighbourhood cats stay out while the household's own cats come and go", "count": 6 }, { "text": "Picks up existing pet microchips easily and is simple to programme", "count": 6 }, { "text": "The C batteries last far longer than owners expected, often a year or more", "count": 4 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "The unlocking click startles timid cats until they get used to it", "count": 7 }, { "text": "The magnets can make the flap too stiff for some cats to push", "count": 2 } ] }, "ourName": "SureFlap Microchip Pet Door with curfew", "ourTake": "Cats Protection says to keep a hunting cat in from dusk until after dawn, and names Sure Petcare flaps with a timed curfew. Sure Petcare says this pet door locks and reopens at times you set and reads your cat's own microchip, so other cats stay out. It suits large cats and small dogs. Sure lists no curfew timer for the cheaper cat flap: set it to in-only by hand." }, "budget": { "asin": "B0C783MK6F", "name": "Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap", "amazonTitle": "Sure Petcare SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap, RFID Collar Tags, Microchip Compatible, Install in Doors, Windows, Grey/White, 4xAA Batteries Required, Not Included", "brand": "SureFlap", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41zWMUWDxFL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0C783MK6F", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0C783MK6F.json", "price": { "amount": 69.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:25:40.939Z", "rating": 4.4, "ratings": 22726, "boughtLastMonth": "600+", "categoryRank": { "position": 1, "category": "Cat Flaps" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Reads the cat's existing microchip and is simple to programme", "count": 5 }, { "text": "Neighbouring cats can no longer get into the house", "count": 5 }, { "text": "Solidly made, with some lasting many years", "count": 4 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Nervous cats can take days or weeks of coaxing to use it", "count": 3 }, { "text": "A few buyers report faults, failed pairing or fast battery drain", "count": 3 } ] }, "ourName": "SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap" }, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "Cats Protection: why do cats bring you dead animals?", "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/why-do-cats-bring-you-dead-animals", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "Cats Protection: cats at night", "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/cats-at-night", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "Sure Petcare: SureFlap Microchip Pet Door", "url": "https://www.surepetcare.com/en-gb/pet-doors/microchip-pet-door", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "Sure Petcare: SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap", "url": "https://www.surepetcare.com/en-gb/pet-doors/microchip-cat-flap", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "A litter tray for the nights indoors", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/cat-bringing-in-mice/#role-night-tray", "quantity": "1", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B0CM65M1Y3", "name": "Cat Litter Tray Box", "amazonTitle": "Cat Litter Tray Box, Litter Box, Plastic Cat Open Top Litter Tray with Free Scoop Kitten Detachable Rim Easy Cleaning,49 x 38 x 23cm (Grey)", "brand": "Vivo Technologies", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/419V2JwkG4L._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0CM65M1Y3", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0CM65M1Y3.json", "price": { "amount": 11.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:18:49.145Z", "rating": 4.6, "ratings": 2069, "boughtLastMonth": "4K+", "categoryRank": { "position": 1, "category": "Cat Litter Boxes" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "The high sides and clip-on rim keep litter in the tray", "count": 9 }, { "text": "Smooth plastic that is quick to rinse and wipe clean", "count": 4 }, { "text": "Kittens hop in and out easily and have room to turn and dig", "count": 3 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Thin plastic that feels cheap, though it does the job", "count": 3 }, { "text": "Smaller than several buyers expected, closer to a medium tray", "count": 4 } ] }, "ourName": "Open litter tray with rim, 49 x 38cm", "ourTake": "Cats Protection says a cat that usually goes outdoors still needs a tray inside, especially in autumn and winter, with water well away from it. It should be big enough to turn around in, with about 3cm of unscented litter, in a quiet spot away from the cat flap. This open tray is 49 x 38cm with a clip-off high rim, the listing says; the upgrade is 60cm long." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": { "asin": "B0FLY4996W", "name": "Suhaco Large Cat Litter Tray with High Sides", "amazonTitle": "Suhaco Large Cat Litter Tray with High Sides & Low Entry Spacious 60x40x16CM Open Design for Elderly Cats & Kittens Easy Clean Cat Litter Box(Gray)", "brand": "Suhaco", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41vXgNqOvrL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FLY4996W", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0FLY4996W.json", "price": { "amount": 22.99, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:18:42.464Z", "rating": 4, "ratings": 68, "boughtLastMonth": "200+", "categoryRank": { "position": 29, "category": "Cat Litter Boxes" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Roomy enough to turn round in, even for a large cat", "count": 8 }, { "text": "The low front step is easy to climb in and out of", "count": 6 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Mess collects under and on the grated step, which is awkward to clean", "count": 2 } ] }, "ourName": "Suhaco large litter tray, 60 x 40cm" }, "sources": [ { "name": "Cats Protection: cats at night", "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/cats-at-night", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "Cats Protection: cats and toileting", "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/toileting", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "A wand toy for a daily hunting game", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/cat-bringing-in-mice/#role-wand", "quantity": "1 set", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B0BTDB2767", "name": "GingerUPer Cat Toy", "amazonTitle": "GingerUPer Cat Toy,Cat Feather Toys,Cat Teaser Wand and Rainbow Wand, Interactive Cat Toys for Indoor Cats Adult Kitten, 6 Pack (Yellow)", "brand": "GingerUPer", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41gw-y0VvAL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0BTDB2767", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0BTDB2767.json", "price": { "amount": 8.49, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": { "label": "Limited time deal", "note": null, "basis": "Amazon deal badge" }, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:21:33.413Z", "rating": 4.2, "ratings": 2197, "boughtLastMonth": "400+", "categoryRank": { "position": 4, "category": "Feather Toys for Cats" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Cats and kittens play with them for ages", "count": 10 }, { "text": "Sturdy enough for rough, grabby players", "count": 5 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Some feathers come off after lively play", "count": 2 } ] }, "ourName": "GingerUPer feather wand set", "ourTake": "In the Exeter trial, five to ten minutes of play a day cut the prey cats brought home by 25%. Owners moved a feather toy on a string and wand so the cat could stalk, chase and pounce, and Cats Protection also names fishing rod toys. This set has three long feather wands, a plush rainbow string wand and three balls, the listing says." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "University of Exeter: play and meaty food reduce hunting by cats (2021)", "url": "https://news-archive.exeter.ac.uk/2021/february/articles/playandmeatyfoodreducehun.html", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "Cats Protection: why do cats bring you dead animals?", "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/why-do-cats-bring-you-dead-animals", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] }, { "role": "Toy mice to end each game with a catch", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/cat-bringing-in-mice/#role-toy-mice", "quantity": "1 box of 36", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B01KNTBIEE", "name": "CHIWAVA 36PCS 4.1'' Furry Cat Toy Mice Rattle", "amazonTitle": "CHIWAVA 36PCS 4.1'' Furry Cat Toy Mice Rattle Small Mouse Interactive Play", "brand": "CHIWAVA", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51oLU+hq3eL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01KNTBIEE", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B01KNTBIEE.json", "price": { "amount": 11.98, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T03:13:10.792Z", "rating": 4.7, "ratings": 8583, "boughtLastMonth": "100+", "categoryRank": { "position": 6, "category": "Mice & Animal Toys for Cats" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Cats chase, carry and fetch these more than other toys", "count": 9 }, { "text": "The rattle inside gets a cat's attention with one shake", "count": 4 }, { "text": "A big box means spares when mice vanish under furniture", "count": 3 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Tails and fur come off with rough play", "count": 3 } ] }, "ourName": "CHIWAVA furry rattle mice (36)", "ourTake": "In the Exeter trial, owners gave the cat a toy mouse to play with after each wand hunt, so the game ended with something to catch. These are small furry mice with a rattle inside, 36 to a box, the listing says. Toss one in as you put the wand away, and keep the rest in a drawer so they stay new." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "University of Exeter: play and meaty food reduce hunting by cats (2021)", "url": "https://news-archive.exeter.ac.uk/2021/february/articles/playandmeatyfoodreducehun.html", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] } ] }, { "id": "later", "label": "If mice still get in", "intro": null, "countsTowardTotal": false, "roles": [ { "role": "A prey-spotting add-on for the flap", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/cat-bringing-in-mice/#role-prey-camera", "quantity": "1", "lasts": null, "consumable": false, "lastsDays": null, "pick": { "asin": "B0F31KHSPW", "name": "ZeroMOUSE 2.0 AI Prey Detection Add-On for Microchip", "amazonTitle": "ZeroMOUSE 2.0 AI Prey Detection Add-On for Microchip Cat Flaps - Blocks Entry When Your Pet Carries a Mouse or Bird, Photo Alerts in the App, Weatherproof, Fits Tunnel Models", "brand": "zero mouse", "image": "https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31VRrKlyBCL._SL500_.jpg", "amazonUrl": "https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0F31KHSPW", "data": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/products/B0F31KHSPW.json", "price": { "amount": 219, "currency": "GBP", "checkedAt": "2026-09-28T07:19:34.388Z", "note": "Checked on Amazon UK that morning; the price at checkout on amazon.co.uk applies." }, "availability": { "status": "IN_STOCK", "amazonMessage": null }, "subscribeAndSave": null, "signal": null, "amazon": { "source": "amazon.co.uk", "recordedAt": "2026-09-27T02:45:18.689Z", "rating": 4.2, "ratings": 260, "boughtLastMonth": "50+", "categoryRank": { "position": 3, "category": "Smart Cat Flaps" } }, "buyersSay": { "method": "Our own summary of the reviews Amazon showed; each count is the number of reviews making the point.", "reviewsRead": 13, "readOn": "2026-09-27", "like": [ { "text": "Keeps the flap locked when the cat arrives carrying prey", "count": 12 }, { "text": "Simple to fit and set up if the steps are followed in order", "count": 8 }, { "text": "Cats try less often once prey stays outside", "count": 3 } ], "watchOutFor": [ { "text": "Needs mains power, your own USB cable and plug, and Wi-Fi", "count": 4 }, { "text": "Can lock a cat out by mistake, mostly in the first days", "count": 5 } ] }, "ourName": "ZeroMOUSE 2.0 prey detection add-on", "ourTake": "The listing says a camera inside the tunnel of a microchip flap checks every entry and keeps the flap locked when the cat carries a mouse or bird. It needs a tunnel-style microchip flap, your own USB mains adapter and cable, and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi at the door. It stops the delivery, not the hunting." }, "budget": null, "upgrade": null, "sources": [ { "name": "the product's Amazon listing" } ] } ] } ], "totals": { "today": { "amount": 158.95, "currency": "GBP", "itemsPriced": 6, "itemsMissingPrice": 0 }, "monthlyRunningCost": null }, "canWait": [ { "what": "A switch to a meat-rich food", "why": "In the Exeter trial, a premium food whose protein came from meat cut the prey brought home by 36%, and Cats Protection says a high-protein diet may make a cat less likely to hunt. The right food depends on the cat, so ask your vet first if yours is on a special diet." } ], "skip": [ { "what": "Glue traps for the mouse that got in", "why": "Setting a glue trap to catch a rodent has been an offence in England since 31 July 2024. For a live mouse, Cats Protection says to shut the cat away and guide the mouse out, and the RSPCA says a live-capture trap checked every two hours is an option." }, { "what": "Colourful collar covers, when mice are the problem", "why": "In the Exeter trial, Birdsbesafe collar covers cut the birds cats brought home by 42% but had no effect on the mammals they caught, such as mice." }, { "what": "Elasticated or buckle collars", "why": "Cats Protection recommends quick-release or snap-open collars only, because a cat caught by an elasticated collar can get more tangled trying to free itself." } ], "questions": [ { "question": "Why does my cat keep bringing in mice?", "answer": "Because home is where it feels safe. Cats Protection says a cat brings prey back to its core territory rather than eat it or leave it where other animals could steal it, and that punishing the cat does not help: hunting is natural. Cats are most active at dawn and dusk, which is why keeping them in overnight makes a difference." }, { "question": "How do I stop my cat bringing in live mice?", "answer": "Keep it in from dusk until after dawn and play with it every day. Cats Protection recommends the night curfew, and in a University of Exeter trial five to ten minutes of daily wand play cut prey brought home by 25%, while a meat-rich food cut it by 36%. The researchers say only keeping a cat indoors stops hunting completely." }, { "question": "Is there a cat flap that stops cats bringing in mice?", "answer": "Yes, as an add-on. ZeroMOUSE fits inside the tunnel of a microchip flap and, its listing says, keeps the flap locked when a camera spots prey in the cat's mouth. A microchip flap with a curfew timer, such as the SureFlap pet door, keeps the cat in at dawn and dusk. Both need your cat to be microchipped, which PDSA says is the law in England." }, { "question": "Do bells on cat collars stop them catching mice?", "answer": "Not reliably. In the University of Exeter trial, bells made no overall difference, though results varied widely between cats, and colourful collar covers cut bird catches but not mice. Cats Protection says bells can reduce bird catches. If you try a bell, use a quick-release collar with room for two fingers underneath." }, { "question": "What do I do with a live mouse my cat brought in?", "answer": "Shut the cat in another room, then gently guide the mouse out of the house, Cats Protection says; if it is injured, call the RSPCA in England and Wales. If it hides, the RSPCA says you can use a live-capture trap baited with food, check it every two hours and release the mouse outside. Never use a glue trap: in England it is an offence to set one for a rodent." } ], "sources": [ { "name": "Cats Protection: why do cats bring you dead animals?", "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/cats-blog/why-do-cats-bring-you-dead-animals", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "Cats Protection: cats at night", "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/home-and-environment/cats-at-night", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "Cats Protection: choosing a cat collar", "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/getting-a-cat/choosing-a-cat-collar", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "Cats Protection: cats and toileting", "url": "https://www.cats.org.uk/help-and-advice/cat-behaviour/toileting", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "PDSA: cat collars", "url": "https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/kittens-cats/cat-collars", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "PDSA: microchipping cats, what you need to know", "url": "https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/microchipping-cats-what-you-need-to-know", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "University of Exeter: play and meaty food reduce hunting by cats (2021)", "url": "https://news-archive.exeter.ac.uk/2021/february/articles/playandmeatyfoodreducehun.html", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "SongBird Survival: 6 ways to stop your cat hunting birds", "url": "https://www.songbird-survival.org.uk/post/blog-6-ways-to-stop-your-cat-hunting-birds-1", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "Sure Petcare: SureFlap Microchip Pet Door", "url": "https://www.surepetcare.com/en-gb/pet-doors/microchip-pet-door", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "Sure Petcare: SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap", "url": "https://www.surepetcare.com/en-gb/pet-doors/microchip-cat-flap", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022, section 1", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2022/26/section/1", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "The Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 (Commencement) Regulations 2024", "url": "https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2024/686/made", "checked": "2026-09-27" }, { "name": "RSPCA: found an injured rat or mouse", "url": "https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/rodents/injured", "checked": "2026-09-27" } ], "related": [ { "title": "What to buy for a new kitten", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-new-kitten/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-new-kitten.json" }, { "title": "What to buy for Bonfire Night with a cat", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/bonfire-night-with-a-cat/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/bonfire-night-with-a-cat.json" }, { "title": "What to buy for an older cat", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/an-older-cat/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/an-older-cat.json" }, { "title": "What to buy for a smelly litter tray", "url": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-smelly-litter-tray/", "json": "https://whattobuyfor.co.uk/a-smelly-litter-tray.json" } ] }