Do cats really keep mice away?

I actually do like cats, it's just the drudgery of the litter box that I don't like. I have had cats before and, I must say, when I had cats I didn't ever see any mice (which doesn't mean they weren't there, just that I didn't see them). My daughter absolutely loves cats and really wants one. Of course, any animal I got would be a member of the family and I would love it and treat it well!

[Robin Garr]

I actually do like cats, it's just the drudgery of the litter box that I don't like. I have had cats before and, I must say, when I had cats I didn't ever see any mice (which doesn't mean they weren't there, just that I didn't see them). My daughter absolutely loves cats and really wants one. Of course, any animal I got would be a member of the family and I would love it and treat it well!

I figured that, Ellen! Just felt a need to make the point, though, not just aimed at you but everyone.

You don't need a litterbox. Depending on where you live, and considering all responsibilities addressed (shots, fixin's, etc) most cats want to go outside, and not just to TCB. I grew up with multiple cats, moving military style every few years, and never dealt with the pooper scooper until my college days. (aka apartments)

We lost a 5-toed opposable-thumbed wonder when we lived in Old Louisville, and it soured us on the whole outdoor thing. All of ours are rescues, so I sneak and let out Miss Skinny (who showed up after Chernobyl disappeared) because I empathize her need to get out, but we don't let the rest out. My darling husband deals with the (3) litterboxes so that we can keep ours safe. My neighbor on one side has mice, and dogs. We have never seen any. My neighbor on the other side used to have mice, but since adopted KiKi last year, has not seen anything all winter.

There are adoption places in town that have rescued animals, where you can learn about the animal before picking up, including any barn background, etc. All of ours have found us, so I can't speak from experience (I wouldn't be able to handle it) but from what I understand these agencies are looking for a good fit for the animal, and want to make it a right match.

Jeff people, anyone know the place that is on 8th street I believe? Down near Allison Lane? My husband recommends it, he was able to go inside and play with the denizens.

Reagan I think that's the Clark County Humane Society on Middle Road (8th Street), west of Allison Lane.

I've had cats for 8 years and have never seen a single mouse. I even lived in a duplex for a few years where my house neighbors claimed to have a serious infestation.

If you do decide to get a cat, just be sure you stop putting poison out. One of my cats ate some sort of animal several years ago that made her very, very sick. She almost didn't make it. The vet said he though that she may have eaten a mouse that had consummed poison.

i'll second that
once you get a cat - no more poison or traps