Dead mice are usually poisoned, and cats easily suffer secondary poisoning after eating them. In addition, dead mice generally rot or carry pathogens, so cats may get sick or die from poisoning if they eat them.

　　To prevent cats from being poisoned by eating dead mice, owners should not let cats roam freely and should feed them regularly until full. If the cat brings back a dead mouse, take it away immediately. If the cat tries to eat a dead mouse, gently tap its mouth with a small stick. After a few hours, put the dead mouse near the cat’s mouth again; if it still tries to eat it, tap its mouth again and sternly scold it.

　　After this training a few times, the cat will develop a conditioned reflex to avoid eating dead mice for fear of punishment.