What Eats Cats? A Detailed Look At The Many Predators Of Felines

Cats may seem like fierce, able hunters, but in fact they can fall prey to a number of predators. If you’ve ever wondered exactly what eats cats in the wild, you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Coyotes, owls, eagles, foxes, bobcats, dogs, snakes and even alligators have all been known to hunt and eat cats if given the chance.

In this comprehensive article, we’ll take a close look at the various animals that prey on felines. You’ll learn which species pose the biggest threats, how they manage to catch cats, and what areas put cats most at risk. We’ll also provide tips for keeping your own pet cat safe. Let’s dive in!

Birds of Prey

Owls

Owls are masters of stealth – their silent flight and exceptional hearing make them expert night-time hunters. With their large eyes and ability to turn their heads 270 degrees, owls can detect even the slightest movements of potential prey like mice, voles and rabbits.

Some larger owl species like the Great Horned Owl occasionally prey on small cats and kittens.

Here are some fascinating owl facts in regards to predation on felines:

• Great Horned Owls have a wingspan up to 5 feet, talons that can apply 300 psi of pressure, and have been known to carry off prey weighing up to 4-5 lbs – more than enough to capture a small cat.
• Barn Owls have acute hearing allowing them to locate prey in complete darkness. With their spectral white appearance, they are sometimes called “ghost owls” – a frightening predator for a cat!
• The Great Gray Owl is North America’s largest owl by length – their huge size gives them the ability to take down larger prey like adult cats, not just kittens.
• Eurasian Eagle Owls are the largest owls in the world. These powerful apex predators have been known to take foxes, mink, and feral cats as prey.

Hawks

Hawks are diurnal birds of prey that rely on keen eyesight to hunt small mammals, birds, reptiles and sometimes even amphibians. Some larger hawk species can pose a risk to domestic cats due to their formidable size, strong talons and hunting prowess.

Here are some notable facts about hawks as predators of cats:

• Red-Tailed Hawks are one of the most common hawk species found throughout North America. With wingspans over 4 feet, they are large enough to swoop down and carry off small pets like cats.
• Harris’s Hawks are unique hunters that cooperatively hunt in family groups called “casts”. Working together, a cast of Harris’s Hawks could overwhelm and capture an unwary house cat.
• The Northern Goshawk is an especially fierce accipiter species found in forested areas. With their lightning fast attacks, goshawks can easily take down squirrels, rabbits, and also juvenile cats.
• Sharp-shinned Hawks specialize in hunting smaller birds but have also been known to prey on small mammals like chipmunks and baby rats – so kittens could be vulnerable as well.

Eagles

Eagles are large, powerfully built birds of prey that sit atop the avian food chain. The bald eagle and golden eagle are North America’s most prominent eagle species known for their large size, keen vision and tremendous aerial hunting skills.

Here are some interesting facts about eagles as potential cat predators:

• Bald eagles have a wingspan up to 7 feet and can lift prey weighing 4-5 lbs. They’ve been recorded preying on smaller animals like prairie dogs and may attack a small cat in rare cases.
• Golden eagles are North America’s largest predatory bird. They can weigh up to 15 lbs with wingspans over 7 feet. Some golden eagles regularly hunt prey as large as coyotes and deer.
• The massive Steller’s Sea Eagle found in Russia can weigh up to 20 lbs. They often prey on large fish but have also been recorded attacking ducks, swans and small mammals on occasion.
• The monster Philippine Eagle is one of the world’s largest eagles with a 7.5 foot wingspan and can target prey up to the size of monkeys! Thankfully this megafauna only lives in the Philippines.

While not the most common cat predators, large eagle species with their powerful talons and incredible speed definitely pose a risk to kittens and occasionally full-grown cats. As always, supervision of pet cats when outside can help mitigate potential attacks by eagles.

Mammalian Predators

Coyotes

Coyotes are cunning and opportunistic predators that will eat small pets like cats if given the chance. These wild canines have spread to almost every corner of North America, with an estimated population of over 700,000.

As coyotes adapt to urban and suburban areas, they pose an ever-increasing threat to outdoor cats (Humane Society).

Coyotes typically hunt alone or in small packs, using stealth and timing to prey on small mammals. Outdoors cats often fall victim to these skilled hunters, as cats weigh less than 20 pounds on average while coyotes tip the scales at 20-50 pounds.

According to wildlife experts, coyotes primarily hunt cats for food rather than sport. In areas where coyotes are highly populous, it is best to keep cats indoors or only let them outside while supervised.

Foxes

Foxes are small, omnivorous predators that will prey on cats opportunistically. Of the various fox species worldwide, the red fox poses the most significant threat as it has adapted to live near human population centers.

With cat-like reflexes and sharp teeth designed for hunting, foxes view unattended outdoor cats as easy pickings.

As shown, even the smaller female red fox exceeds most domestic cats in speed and predatory skill. Experts believe the red fox is responsible for significant cat fatalities each year (over 208,000 per annum in the UK alone according to the Mammal Society).

Keeping cats indoors, especially at night, is the best defense against foxes.

Bobcats

Bobcats are wild felines that pose a mortal threat to domestic cats if allowed to interact. Roughly twice the size of a large house cat, bobcats can weigh up to 40 pounds and have excellent sight, hearing, and reflexes (California Dept. of Fish & Wildlife).

They primarily hunt rabbits and hares but will also prey on birds, small deer, and domestic cats.

Cats left to roam outdoors, especially at night, risk finding themselves on the menu of a hungry bobcat. Even large cats are no match for these fierce predators that can sprint at nearly 40 mph. Protect cats from bobcat attacks by supervising time outdoors and keeping them indoors overnight.

Dogs

Man’s best friend can sometimes be a cat’s worst enemy. Many dogs have a high prey drive that kicks in when they see a cat running away. Even well-trained dogs may attack and kill a fleeing cat on instinct before owners can intervene.

Small cats are at greatest risk of predation by dogs, as nearly any size dog can overpower them.

It’s best to slowly acclimate dogs to the presence of indoor/outdoor cats over time. When allowing them to interact outdoors, keep dogs securely leashed and don’t leave cats unattended even for a moment. With proper precautions, dogs and cats can usually coexist without tragedy.

Raccoons

Raccoons may appear harmless to some but actually pose a risk to outdoor cats. As omnivorous scavengers that forage at night, raccoons will eat kittens and occasionally attack full-grown cats while defending territory or food resources.

Raccoons spread dangerous infections through their saliva that are often fatal to cats and humans (over 80% mortality rate if left untreated according to the CDC). It’s wise to deter raccoons from one’s property by removing outdoor food sources.

Cats should also be brought indoors or contained in raccoon-proof outdoor enclosures.

Reptiles

Snakes

Snakes are perhaps the most infamous reptilian predators of cats. Their ability to stealthily slither into yards and strike with lightning speed makes them a significant threat. Some of the most dangerous snake species to cats include:

• Rattlesnakes – These venomous pit vipers are found throughout North and South America. Their hemotoxic venom can cause severe tissue damage and death in cats if bitten.
• Copperheads – Another type of pit viper found in eastern and central North America. Their potent venom can be fatal to felines.
• Cottonmouths – These semiaquatic pit vipers inhabit wetlands and marshes of the southeastern United States. A cottonmouth bite can kill a cat in less than an hour.
• Coral snakes – Highly venomous elapids native to the Americas. Their neurotoxic venom paralyzes nerve impulse transmission, leading to respiratory failure.

Snakes tend to avoid cats if given the chance. But conflicts often arise when snakes enter yards or homes, especially in rural areas. Cats may attack snakes out of curiosity or perceived threat. Snakes will bite defensively if cornered or provoked.

Alligators

Alligators pose a mortal danger to domestic cats, especially those allowed to roam near lakes, rivers, or wetlands inhabited by these large reptilian predators. Alligators have immensely powerful jaws that can deliver a crushing bite.

Once an alligator grabs a cat in its jaws, the chance of survival is slim.

Alligator attacks on pets and small animals are most common in Florida and other southeastern states, where alligator populations are large and human development encroaches on their habitat. Reports indicate around 15-20 cats are killed per year by alligators in Florida alone.

Alligators may seize cats that get too close to the water’s edge. But cats can also be ambushed while walking along shorelines or riverbanks at night. Alligators can even snatch cats from backyard ponds or floodwaters during heavy rains. Their stealthy hunting abilities put cats at risk.

Preventative measures like fencing yards and keeping cats indoors, especially at night, can reduce the threat. But alligator encounters are sometimes unavoidable, highlighting why these armored giants are among the most feared cat predators.

Protecting Your Cat from Predators

Keep Cats Indoors

Keeping your cat indoors is the best way to protect them from predators like coyotes, birds of prey, and other wildlife. Indoor cats live on average 10-15 years longer than outdoor cats. According to the ASPCA, indoor cats are protected from cars, diseases, fights with other cats, and more when kept inside.

Supervise Time Outdoors

If you want to allow your cat limited outdoor time, always directly supervise them when they are outside. Even just leaving them alone for a few minutes puts them at risk. Stay within arm’s reach so you can quickly intervene if a dangerous situation arises with a predator like a coyote or hawk.

Consider building a protective outdoor cat enclosure for your yard.

Cat-Proof Your Yard

You should take measures to make your yard less appealing and accessible to predators looking for cat prey. Trim vegetation to reduce hiding spots. Use deterrents like motion-activated sprinklers. Install fencing that prevents other animals from easily entering but allows your cat to escape.

Putting bells on your cat’s collar can also alert you and scare off stalking predators when they hear it.

Avoid High-Risk Areas

Pay attention to areas in your local neighborhood that may be prone to wildlife like coyotes and foxes. Places near wooded areas or preserves can be hot spots for predators. According to studies, over 80% of coyote attacks on pets occur near the boundaries between developed areas and open spaces.

Keep this in mind when deciding where to allow your cat to spend time outdoors.

Signs Your Cat May Have Been Attacked

Injuries and Wounds

One of the most obvious signs that your cat has been attacked is the presence of injuries or wounds on their body. This includes bites, scratches, puncture wounds, and gashes. These injuries may be minor, like a few small punctures, or more severe, like large, deep gashes.

Examine your cat’s body, paying close attention to the neck, head, legs, and stomach area. Look for any broken bones or dislocations as well. If you find injuries, take your cat to the vet immediately for treatment.

Also watch for swelling, limping, or difficulty moving around. These can indicate an underlying injury from an attack. Cats are experts at hiding pain, so any change in mobility may signal a problem. Check for patches of missing fur or blood in your cat’s coat as well.

Changes in Behavior

Predator attacks can be traumatic experiences for cats. You may notice some behavioral changes in the aftermath. For example, your cat may seem more anxious or fearful, especially when going outside. They may hide more often or seem jumpy at noises.

A normally social cat may become withdrawn and avoid interaction. On the other hand, some cats become extra clingy and needy with their owners. These kinds of changes suggest your cat is feeling insecure from their encounter.

Your cat’s appetite and litter box habits may also be affected after an attack. A decreased appetite is common due to stress. Inappropriate urination outside the litter box can signal anxiety too. Pay attention to any shifts in your cat’s normal routine.

Behavioral changes following an outdoor excursion may mean a predator caused trouble.

Evidence of Struggle

Examine your yard or home carefully for signs of a struggle if you suspect your cat was attacked. Look for tufts of fur, blood splatters, or other evidence of a fight. You may find these around your home’s perimeter or patio.

Carefully comb through any bushes, tall grass, or wooded areas that border your yard as well.

Also check your cat’s claws, which may show traces of blood or predator fur if they fought back. Defensive wounds on the predator are another possible clue. Many predators will return to the scene of an attack too. Keep an eye out for any unwelcome animals lurking near your home.

Report coyote, bobcat, fox, or other predator sightings to animal control. The more evidence you can gather, the better.

Conclusion

While we often think of cats as adept hunters, the truth is they can easily fall prey to larger predators. A wide range of animals, from birds of prey to reptiles to other mammals, will prey on cats when given the opportunity.

By understanding which species pose a threat and taking precautions like keeping cats indoors and supervising time outside, you can do your part to protect your feline friend. Stay vigilant, and your cat is far more likely to spend their nine lives in safety.