Living near coyotes? Your feline friend needs protection! Coyotes are not just rural hunters, but surprise city dwellers too.
- They feast on small mammals, where city coyotes’ diets can include up to 75% human food and domestic cats.
- Coyotes run at 40 mph, so a sprinting cat stands no chance, especially with limited escape spots.
- Nocturnal coyotes pose the greatest threat during mid-spring to early fall, hunting between 10 PM and 5 AM.
- Here are essential steps to lower the risk and keep your beloved kitty safe from these stealthy hunters.
Coyotes, though they might look like your friendly neighborhood dog, are serious predators, especially if you’re a small animal like a cat. These prairie wolves are quick, agile, and widespread, making them a real threat to both pet and stray cats alike. If you think your cat can outrun a coyote, think again. Coyotes can sprint up to 40 mph, while your kitty, unfortunately, can’t match that speed.
When darkness falls, coyotes become even more active, with the majority of their hunting happening overnight. Mid-spring to early fall is prime time for these hunters as they’re busy feeding their young, which means they’re quite aggressive in seeking food. This nocturnal schedule means keeping your cat indoors during these hours is a crucial defensive strategy.
Removing food sources from your property can also deter these uninvited guests. Coyotes are opportunists—they come looking for trash, fruit, or even the birds hanging by your feeders. Animal-proof garbage cans and clean yards can help keep your home off their radar. Installing fences can add extra security, but they need to be at least six feet high with additional toppings to keep these jumpers at bay.
Cat posts, essentially tall structures for your feline friend to climb, offer a quick escape from nearby predators. However, they’re only effective if your cat gets there first. Still, it gives cats a high vantage point away from danger. On the technological side, coyote-repellent lights flash ominous red, mimicking a predator’s glare, possibly scaring away both coyotes and feral cats.
Ultimately, the best strategy combines these measures—bring your feline friend inside when it’s dark, keep the yard clean of potential snacks, and introduce a mix of barriers and deterrents. Each method plays a part in safeguarding your cat, but keeping them indoors especially during nighttime remains the simplest and most effective way to keep them out of harm’s reach.
Ensuring the safety of your cat involves vigilance, especially as night falls and in coyote-prone areas.
