Does cat poop keep mice away?

Cat poop does not reliably keep mice away and is not recommended as a mouse deterrent, despite the idea that the smell of a predator might scare them. While it is true that mice can detect predator odors through chemicals in cat urine and feces, and laboratory studies show that mice show some avoidance of areas with strong cat odor, the effect in a real home is weak, temporary, and inconsistent. Mice that are already living inside your house have already found food and shelter and will often habituate to the smell of cat waste, especially if the waste is old, dry, or placed in a litter box in one corner while mice are active in another room. Additionally, using cat feces as a repellent creates significant health hazards for humans, because cat feces can contain Toxoplasma gondii, bacteria, and parasites that can cause illness, especially for pregnant women and immunocompromised individuals, and it creates odor and sanitation problems. Cat urine scent is somewhat more effective than feces at deterring mice, but even that is not a reliable control method. The presence of a live cat that actively hunts is more deterrent than just its waste. Effective mouse prevention relies on sealing entry points, removing food sources, and trapping, not on spreading cat waste around your home.