Published studies have been conducted concerning facts about mice and their capacity for feeling pain. It has been proven that mice
that are tickled or gently handled respond in a positive way towards there care taker and are better behaved during experiments or
medical procedures. The mice that were treated with no compassion, or handled in a gruff manner were uncooperative and often fought
back. They experienced heightened anxiety and seemed more irritable than there pampered friends. The determination by researchers
was that mice, like all creatures, have the aptitude to feel both pain, and pleasure. Further Research shows that a mouse will express
feelings of pain or discomfort by narrowing its eyes, laying its ears flat back, and puffing out its cheeks. Further studies were done
to ascertain if these expressions meant anything between other mice. Additional testing was done, and the results were surprising.
Researchers found that the mice responded on a far deeper level of empathy than previously imagined. The visual clues of displeasure
were not only obvious to us as humans, but were easily read by other mice as well!
Science has further proven that mice frequently communicate through high-frequency sounds. Much like the noises used by dog whistles used to
train man’s best friend, these pitches are largely, inaudible to the human ear. It is also shown that on basic level mice will form bonds of
affection with their mates and offspring. In cases of domestication, mice appear to become emotionally attached and have the ability to bond
with human keepers on an emotive level as well. Mice can express empathy, anger, depression, fear and become protective of those they are close
to- whether four legged or two. In fact if a mouse in captivity has bonded with its keeper, it is noted that when in pain, the mice tended to make
facial expressions that seemed to mimic their keepers. A chart used in research for precisely measuring these faces is known in the scientific
community as the “rodent grimace scales,” Researchers can actually record this information and use it to aid in determining the animal’s actual
pain level by watching its facial expressions. While observing these animals, it was noted that when in a group setting, the other mice responded
sympathetically to another mouse when it exhibited an obviously pained expression on its face. The mice’ reaction to their fellow in pain depended
on their relationship to that mouse. If the mice were close, its “friend” would exhibit like symptoms. This reaction is an interesting psychological
phenomenon known as “emotional contagion”. Mice that were not particularly close to the creature in distress would typically flee the area in an act of
self –preservation. This study is interesting not only because it teaches more about the behavior of mice and other rodents, but because it can give us
insight into our behavioral anomalies as well.
Go back to the
How to get rid of mice in the attic home page. You might also want to read about
how to kill mice and why the use
of snap traps is better than
mouse poison. Read an analysis of the different types of traps and how to use them on the
how to trap mice page.
Learn why
bait is not as important as trap type, placement and location. Also read a full analysis of
mouse repellent to understand why it
never works. If you see droppings and want to identify them, read the
mouse poop page. If you need to hire professional help, read about
how much does mouse removal cost?
or you can read this site to learn how to do it yourself. Feel free to email me about Do mice like rats and mice feel pain?
