Hunting the Hunter

There was a new sign in our neighborhood yesterday, one of those sad, hand-written “lost cat” signs. Unfortunately, that cat...Read Below

Hunting the Hunter

There was a new sign in our neighborhood yesterday, one of those sad, hand-written “lost cat” signs. Unfortunately, that cat was probably not lost at all. In fact, it had most likely already been found by a hunting coyote and sadly for the owner – and the cat – it’s probably gone for good.

Springtime is a dangerous time for outdoor cats because in the springtime coyotes are raising pups and those pups must eat.

But outdoor cats are at risk any time of the year because coyotes will target them as a common and easy source of food. One Arizona study (reference) found that more than 50% of coyote/cat interactions resulted in the cat being killed. It’s a tough call for cat owners, because not every situation allows for cats to be inside animals only. In some cases, they are indoor, some outdoor, and often a combination of both.

Most cats like to be outside. They like the exercise, they like to climb, and they like to hunt. Cats are predators, and when given the opportunity they will naturally seek, stalk, and kill birds, rodents, and other small animals.

Just like there is always a larger fish, it’s also a fact that while cats are outside hunting, they may also be the ones being hunted.

If you have a cat that spends some of its time outside, you might consider building a fence that is coyote – and cat – proof. Because while it is important that you keep the coyotes out, it is equally important that you have some mechanism of keeping your cat in.

With the right size and type of fence, your yard can be safe on the inside, despite the risk on the outside.

So if you have an outside cat, think safety, think defense and take steps to make your yard coyote proof.