Do mice stay in houses with cats?

Yes, mice do stay in houses with cats, and having a cat does not guarantee that mice will leave, although cats can help reduce mouse activity in some cases. Cats are natural predators and their presence, scent, and sounds can deter some mice and cause them to avoid open areas, and a good mouser cat will catch and kill some mice. However, studies and pest control experience show that many mouse infestations persist even in homes with cats, because mice can hide in walls, attics, and under appliances where cats cannot reach, they breed faster than a single cat can catch them, and well-fed house cats often lose motivation to hunt intensively. Mice also learn to avoid the cat's favorite hunting areas and become more cautious and nocturnal. In some cases, cats may bring mice inside or leave partially caught mice alive. The effectiveness depends on the individual cat's hunting instinct, whether it is an indoor or outdoor cat, and how severe the infestation is. While a cat can be a useful part of an integrated approach, it is not a reliable standalone solution. To truly get rid of mice in a house with cats, you still need to seal entry holes with steel wool and caulk, store food securely, clean thoroughly, and use pet-safe trapping methods, ensuring traps and poison are placed where cats cannot access them.