Why do cats play with mice before they eat them?

Question

Why do cats play with mice before they eat them?

Answer 1

Thats what cats of ANY SIZE do.

If it runs... then the cat has a trigger in it's brain that says chaise.

In fact if something is still the cat can't see it ... it must be moving for the cat to be able to see it.

instinct.  

Answer 2

I don't know. My cat doesn't eat mice, she just carries them around. She doesn't even hurt it! She'll just carry it to a different room and let it free so she can grab it again (she usually doesn't catch it in time, though).

Answer 3

It's part of the thrill of the hunt.  They do this with any animal they catch - birds, chipmunks, squirrels, et cetera.

They think it's fun!  Or at the very least, engaging.

Answer 4

because they are evil.

they think it is fun.

they like it.

the only animal that kills by slow torture.

i watched several cats once, they were all laying around the yard when one came running up with a live mouse. the cats formed a circle and the cat threw the mouse into the circle. every time he tried to run through the circle, the closest cat would catch him and throw him back into the circle.

Answer 5

It's instinct, and the same reason they like to chase balls or catnip toys around. They like batting at things that move.