Why don't cats eat moles? - briefly
Cats typically avoid eating moles due to their strong and unpleasant odor, which is used by moles for communication and territorial marking. Additionally, moles have a high-fat content and dense fur, making them less appealing as prey compared to other small animals that cats commonly hunt.
Why don't cats eat moles? - in detail
Cats, being obligate carnivores, rely primarily on a diet of meat to meet their nutritional needs. Their digestive systems are specifically adapted to process animal proteins and fats efficiently. Moles, on the other hand, have a distinct dietary profile that is not well-suited for cats.
Moles are insectivores, meaning their diet consists mainly of earthworms, beetles, and other small invertebrates. This diet is high in fiber and low in protein compared to the typical prey cats consume, such as birds, rodents, or fish. Cats lack the necessary enzymes to digest the high fiber content found in moles' diets effectively. Consuming a mole could lead to digestive discomfort or even health issues for a cat due to their inability to process this unusual food source.
Moreover, cats are opportunistic hunters and tend to target prey that is relatively easy to catch and provides sufficient nutritional value. Moles spend most of their time underground, making them less accessible to cats compared to above-ground prey like birds or rodents. The effort required to locate and capture a mole may not be worth the nutritional reward for a cat.
Additionally, moles have evolved specific defense mechanisms against predators. Their small size, robust digging claws, and ability to tunnel quickly make them challenging targets for cats. These adaptations help moles avoid predation effectively, further reducing the likelihood that a cat would successfully hunt and consume one.
In summary, the dietary needs of cats, the inaccessibility and low nutritional value of moles, and the defensive strategies employed by moles all contribute to the observation that cats do not typically eat moles.