I've had a lot of cats, and have found I can never tell which ones are the effective hunters. The dopiest, clumsiest, laziest cats can sometimes be killing machines. And cats that seem like they should be good hunters sometimes just like to watch or play with mice, but can't actually catch them. That's why you need a cat that's a proven killer.

First, make sure you borrow a cat with an excellent hunting resume. Second, it's going to take time for the cat to get used to the place before it will even think of hunting.

My cat is a totally lazy, good-for-nothing, lifelong pampered indoor cat who can't even find a piece of meat on the floor unless I point it out ten times. But when a mouse did randomly appear in our house one day he immediately made short work of it. So yeah, even if the cat isn't a Murder Kitty he'll probably still help. But you should definitely borrow him longer than a night to let him feel at home in your place.

What about a dog like a terrier? Aren't they supposed to like to hunt mice?

My in-laws had a chronic mouse problem in their NYC apartment. We used to bring our cat when we visited and he would routinely catch one to two mice on the first night over. Now, he was familiar with the apartment and comfortable because we were around so I don't know how much difference that would make.

Is your neighbor's cat a bona fide mouser? That makes a difference, too.

I had a cat growing up that was terrified of anything smaller than itself that moved. Terrible example of the species, but he was quite hilarious in the faces of fear he made.

Have you tried the Victor Traps? They've helped us.

On the cat front, we live in a two family side-by-side, and the family next door has a very social indoor/outdoor cat who I allow in on a regular basis. It does appear to have helped, but it's more than an overnight.

PP is correct, cats need time to get used to new surroundings. S/he doesn't know you, your house, or your family. I'd guess s/he would spend his visit hiding under the bed or couch.

Are you sure its mice? When we had a mouse invasion two years ago, we set traps and caught SIX in 48 hours! Then we sealed old radiator holes, around the gas line to the stove, etc, and haven't had one since.

Anonymous wrote:Most cats I have had are pretty sensitive to their environment. Unless it knows you and your household I think the cat will just hide and be freaked out that it's away from it's home.

Sorry. its not it's for the second one

Most cats I have had are pretty sensitive to their environment. Unless it knows you and your household I think the cat will just hide and be freaked out that it's away from it's home.

If you are going to try it, I'd borrow that cat for a week or more. The first night the cat is going to be freaked out. He'll need time to adjust before he goes hunting.

Anonymous wrote:We've set a ton of different traps but haven't caught the mice. Our friends offered to lend us their cat overnight. Has anyone tried borrowing a cat and did it work? Thanks!

LOL! I'd like to know too! I think a week might be more like it- the cat needs time to acclimate.

No. It won't work. Domestic cats can't catch anything. Well, my cats.

No

We've set a ton of different traps but haven't caught the mice. Our friends offered to lend us their cat overnight. Has anyone tried borrowing a cat and did it work? Thanks!