Are Coyotes Capable of Attacking and Eating Cats? Here’s What You Should Know!

Coyotes can be found in gardens, but not just because they aren’t visible in your area. Research suggests that coyotes can live on mice and rats but will eat feral and domestic cats when necessary.

There are many studies that differ in their conclusions. Some suggest that 42% of urban coyotes eat felines. Other studies show that it is just 1% to 2%. No matter what the numbers, coyotes can be opportunistic and hunt cats if they are within close proximity. Although attacks on small dogs are less frequent, they are still at risk.

Where do Coyotes live?

Coyotes are a member of the dog family. They used to live in open prairies and deserts but now they have to live in forests or up mountains. They are happy to settle in cities.

They can scavenge food, but they will also hunt small animals and eat them. They are opportunistic feeders which means they adapt their diet to what they find.

Some people live off frogs or toads, while others live on rodents. While some may live off grass and insects, others will eat lambs, calves, and other livestock. Many farmers consider them pests because they can adapt to many situations.

Coyotes In Your Yard

Coyotes are capable of running at speeds up to 40 MPH and have excellent vision and a sense of smell. They are a formidable foe, and they can form hunting groups during winter and fall, which makes them even more dangerous. They are considered to be the most dangerous predators in America and will hunt and scavenge in rural areas.

Figures

Gerht, Riley, and Morey et all found that urban and suburban coyotes still depend on natural food sources over man-made or human-generated food such as waste and domestic pets. These coyotes ate primarily rodents, rabbits, occasional deer, and some fruits.

Another study by Arizona, Grubbs, and Krausman found that 42% of urban coyotes eat cats.

Keep Your Cat Indoors

Although coyotes can pose a threat to cats in some parts of the country it is not known what the exact danger level is. The best way to protect your cat is to keep them inside. If domestic cats are properly cared for and well-fed, they don’t need to be out. It is not only safer for cats to be kept indoors than coyotes or other wild animals but it also protects them from illness, fights with other cats and vehicles, and theft.

Feral Protection

If you feed feral cats, it is not an option to keep them inside. However, there are ways to reduce the likelihood of fighting and other incidents.

• Establish a mealtime. If you feed ferals, it is a good idea to give them food only once per day. This will reduce the likelihood of coyotes being active in areas where they are more densely populated. You will soon see the ferals adapt to your routine and coyotes won’t attack during the day.
• Take Out Leftover Food. It’s not just cats that attract coyotes like the ones you left out. Coyotes and other animals will eat whatever is left for them, which is why they are not as lazy as the rest. You should remove any food left behind by ferals so it doesn’t attract wild animals.
• Make Sure Your Cats Have a Safe Escape Route. If the coyote attacks, your cats will need a safe escape route. This is a way for them to run away from the coyote. You should ensure that the cats are not fed in corners. Corners only offer one exit. The cat will not have any other options if the exit is blocked by an animal such as a coyote.
• Provide a climbing post – While cats are excellent at jumping, running, and hunting, coyotes aren’t very good at climbing. A vertical or near-vertical climbing post is necessary for a cat to climb. It should be a minimum of three feet above the ground. This will prevent the coyote’s ability to follow.
• Beware of any coyotes you see – Coyotes can be territorial and will return to the same spot they hunt. Your cat is at risk of being attacked if your garden is located in such a territory. You can discourage coyotes from entering your garden by chasing them and using humane methods to get rid of them.

Coyotes can adapt to the environment and current food availability. They will eat rodents and small animals, but they will also eat cats. If you are concerned about ferals, keep your cat inside.