Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning their diet consists primarily of meat. Their predatory nature is deeply ingrained, stemming from their evolutionary lineage as hunters. This specialized diet provides specific nutrients, like taurine, unique to animal tissues and not found in plant-based foods. Their physical attributes, including sharp claws and teeth, are well-suited for capturing and consuming prey.
Small Mammals
Small mammals form a substantial part of a cat’s natural diet, with rodents being particularly common targets. Mice and voles are frequently hunted due to their abundance and small size. Cats stalk these prey, using acute hearing to pinpoint movement before launching a quick, precise pounce.
Rats are also preyed upon, though they pose a greater challenge. Beyond rodents, shrews are routinely caught. Moles are also hunted when they surface.
Cats may also pursue small rabbits or hares. The hunting instinct for these mammals involves patience and explosive speed. Cats often play with captured prey, a behavior that helps hone their hunting skills and incapacitate the prey before consumption.
Birds They Hunt
Birds are another significant component of a cat’s diet, particularly smaller, ground-feeding species that are more accessible. Sparrows and finches are common avian prey due to their widespread presence and habits of foraging on the ground. Robins and starlings are also frequently targeted, especially during nesting seasons when they are less agile.
Cats employ a distinct stalking technique for birds, often crouching low and moving slowly through vegetation to get close to their quarry. They use keen vision to track subtle movements and powerful hind legs to launch themselves in a swift, short burst. The capture often involves a quick pounce, securing the bird with their forepaws and sharp claws. This predatory efficiency makes them effective hunters of a variety of small bird species.
Insects, Reptiles, and More
Beyond mammals and birds, cats also consume a variety of other smaller creatures, often as opportunistic catches or during play. Insects like crickets, grasshoppers, and moths are frequently caught and eaten. While these provide some nutritional value, they are not primary food sources but rather supplementary snacks.
Small reptiles, such as various lizard species, are also part of a cat’s diet. Occasionally, small, non-venomous snakes might be caught and consumed, though this is less common. These reptilian encounters often involve curiosity and play before the catch.
Amphibians like frogs and toads can also fall prey to cats, especially in damp environments where they are prevalent. Some toad species can secrete toxins from their skin, which may cause oral irritation or illness in cats if ingested. These diverse prey items demonstrate the adaptability of a cat’s predatory behavior.