13 Cats That Are Natural Hunters and Pest Controllers

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

cat hunting mice
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Cats have long been admired for their ability to keep homes free of pests, thanks to their natural hunting instincts and quick reflexes. Some breeds, like the powerful Maine Coon or the graceful Bengal, are particularly skilled at catching mice while also being affectionate companions. If you’re looking for a feline friend who can double as a pest controller, these 13 remarkable cat breeds are sure to impress.

Maine Coon

Maine Coon
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The Maine Coon is the ultimate mousing powerhouse, celebrated for its massive size and agility. Weighing up to 25 pounds, this American-born breed has a history of protecting farms and homesteads from rodent invasions. Their long, hardy fur suits them for outdoor adventures, while their friendly demeanor makes them lovable housemates. With their natural hunting instincts, a Maine Coon will ensure your home stays pest-free while offering loyal companionship.

Bengal

Bengal Cat outdoors with a collar
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Bengals are as wild in spirit as they are in looks, boasting hunting instincts inherited from their Asian Leopard Cat ancestry. Their sleek, muscular build and sharp reflexes make them unmatched predators, especially for stubborn pests. Females are particularly aggressive hunters, ensuring no mouse stands a chance. Bengals are highly intelligent and energetic, thriving in environments that allow them to explore, hunt, and play to their heart’s content.

Siberian

siberian forest cat
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The Siberian is a muscular, heavy-coated cat from Russia, perfectly equipped for hunting in extreme conditions. Weighing up to 20 pounds, they are known for their agility and sharp instincts. These cats excel at taking down rodents of all sizes while maintaining a loving and social nature with their owners. Siberians are also remarkably playful and intelligent, making them ideal for families seeking both a hunter and a friendly companion.

American Shorthair

American Shorthair
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The American Shorthair has a rich history of rodent control, starting from its days aboard ships during the pilgrims’ voyage to America. These robust cats are still prized for their ability to patrol homes and eliminate pests with ease. Their hunting instincts are complemented by their affectionate and adaptable personalities, making them perfect for households of all sizes. An American Shorthair ensures both a mouse-free home and a warm, loving presence.

Chartreux

Chartreux
Sergey Okhrymenko/Pexels

The Chartreux is France’s stealthy hunter, with a history of helping farmers keep their crops safe from rodents. With a muscular build and lightning-quick reflexes, this breed is as effective as it is endearing. These cats are playful, quiet, and deeply loyal to their families. They are content to curl up by your side after a day of stalking pests, offering a blend of effective pest control and serene companionship.

Japanese Bobtail

Japanese bobtail
Cong H/Pexels

The Japanese Bobtail is an agile and energetic breed with a history steeped in rodent control. Initially used in silk factories in Korea and Japan, these cats were tasked with keeping mice away from valuable silk stocks. They are playful, intelligent, and naturally athletic, making them adept at chasing down pests. Despite their work ethic, Japanese Bobtails are affectionate companions who bond deeply with their owners, ensuring a harmonious home.

Persian

A greyish black persian cat
Engin Akyurt/Pexels

Persians may be known for their luxurious coats and calm demeanor, but they are also formidable hunters, especially the females. With their intelligence and sharp instincts, Persians will efficiently deal with any mouse problem in your home. While they are less active than some other breeds, their focused approach to hunting makes them highly effective. If you’re seeking a cat that combines beauty, elegance, and pest control, the Persian is an excellent choice.

Burmese

cute burmese vats
Алексей Боярских/pixabay

Burmese cats are a perfect mix of playfulness and hunting prowess. Their friendly and outgoing personalities make them wonderful family pets, but don’t be fooled by their charm. Burmese cats are tenacious hunters with a knack for turning rodent pests into playthings before swiftly dispatching them. These cats bring an added layer of fun and energy to any home while ensuring no unwelcome critters linger around.

Turkish Angora

Turkish Angora
Anastasia Pirri/Unsplash

The Turkish Angora, originating in Turkey, is a natural-born hunter with a reputation for intelligence and agility. Their fine-tuned instincts and quick reflexes make them highly effective at eliminating rodents. These graceful cats are also deeply bonded to their families, thriving in environments where they can both play and protect. A Turkish Angora will not only keep your home pest-free but also fill it with elegance and affection.

Siamese

siamese cat
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Siamese cats are as sharp-minded as they are striking. Known for their social and talkative nature, they’re also skilled hunters with a long history of pest control, dating back to their days in Thai temples. Siamese cats are relentless when it comes to stalking and catching mice, making them invaluable for rodent control. Their intelligence and need for interaction make them ideal companions for active households.

Manx

Manx Cat
By Michelle Weigold, CC BY-SA 4.0/Wikimedia Commons

The tailless Manx is a breed famed for its hunting abilities, with a storied history as a ship cat. These social and intelligent felines possess exceptional strength in their hind legs, giving them impressive speed and agility. Manx cats can easily tackle larger prey, ensuring no rodent escapes their grasp. Their affectionate nature and loyalty to their owners make them a versatile addition to any household.

Chausie

Chausie Cat
krayout/123rf

The Chausie, a hybrid breed with wild roots, brings unparalleled hunting skills to the table. With their sharp instincts and boundless energy, Chausies excel at eliminating pests quickly and efficiently. These cats thrive in spacious homes where they can explore and chase down prey to their heart’s content. Though independent, Chausies form strong bonds with their owners, making them both effective hunters and fascinating companions.

Norwegian Forest Cat

Norwegian Forest Cat
STVIOD/Pixabay

The Norwegian Forest Cat is a majestic hunter, built for rugged terrains and cold climates. Originating in Scandinavia, this breed boasts a thick, water-resistant coat and powerful body, perfect for pursuing rodents in any environment. Despite their wild appearance, these cats are gentle giants, known for their affectionate and friendly nature. A Norwegian Forest Cat will not only protect your home from pests but also become a cherished member of your family.

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