As a cat owner, you are obliged to take on the responsibility of guardianship. As part of this role, you need to be aware of the various wild animals that could pose a threat to your beloved pet. This is especially true if you grant your cat outdoor privileges where they are likely to come into contact with other animals. Even though cats have sharp instincts as well as claws to defend themselves, there are many animals that pose a potential threat to them when outside. Here is a list of wild animals that are most dangerous to your cat:
- Raccoons
These masked bandits scavenge for food just about anywhere and when they feel threatened, they do not hesitate to attack ferociously. This is despite their non-aggressive nature. They have remarkable speed and agility and are renowned for attacking cats when they feel cornered. If your cat gets into a scuffle with raccoons, they face the risk of contracting rabies and other diseases that are transmittable to both pets and people. Raccoons can seriously injure or even kill your cat therefore you should take steps to keep raccoons away from your property. This can be done by never leaving cat food outside and keeping your trash well secured.
- Skunks
Similarly to raccoons, skunks are known carriers of rabies and other diseases that could be harmful to your cat. They also have sharp teeth and claws that can cause injuries ranging from mild to severe. Additionally, skunks are capable of dousing your cat with their obnoxious spray which can be hard to wash off.
- Coyotes
These can be deadly and are well known for killing domestic cats. Coyotes tend to be associated with rural areas but that has changed over time. Nowadays, they are increasingly present in suburban and urban areas and that has had a big impact on house cats as well as other pets. They are smart animals and very strategic when it comes to hunting for prey. A study conducted in Tucson, Arizona, found that cats were the most eaten animals by coyotes, accounting for 42% of their diet. To safeguard your cat from coyotes, make sure they stay indoors at night, and ensure your garbage cans are well secured. It is also advisable not to leave pet food outside, as it can attract these predators to your home. You can learn more about how to get rid of coyotes at howtogetridofcoyote.com
- Cougars
You and your cat need to be on the lookout for these wild animals especially if you live in the rural parts of the west or the southwest of America. In most cases, a cougar will target livestock to make a meal out of. However, if a domestic cat happens to come on the radar, they will not hesitate to switch up their menu. Cougars are big and strong with extremely sharp teeth and claws which they use to kill their prey. If you spot this wild animal near your premises, you should call animal control or even the police because these creatures may cause untold damage to you and your pets.
- Snakes
Despite the many videos online of cats seeming to tackle and win against snakes, these slippery creatures pose a threat to them. This is because some of the snakes are extremely venomous and a bite from them could result in death. There are many species of venomous snakes found all over America, including copperheads, rattlesnakes and water moccasins, click here to learn more. If you suspect that your cat has been bitten by a snake, you should take your cat straight to your local vet.
- Porcupines
These are large rodents that are usually non-aggressive except when they feel threatened in any way. Their quills, which porcupines release as a defense mechanism could pose a serious threat to your cat. When your cat has an encounter with these prickly critters, you should take it to a vet in order to be professionally removed. The process of removing the quills could take hours and are tricky to safely remove because they could cause more harm to your cat when trying to do so.
- Scorpions
These are nocturnal creatures that attack with a stinger located at the end of their tail, injecting venom into their prey. If you happen to notice your cat stalking something that you can’t make out, pay close attention to ensure that it isn’t a scorpion because its venom can often be deadly. You should whisk your cat to the vet if it appears to be in a sickly state or limping after an outdoor session.
- Birds of Prey
Large birds such as red-tail hawks, eagles, and owls may pose a threat to cats. Birds of prey are meat eaters and usually eat other birds and smaller animals such as mice, skunks, raccoons, and chipmunks. These birds are extremely strong and have brilliant eyesight. They have sharp beaks and talons which they use to hunt and kill their prey. It can be difficult for a large bird to fly with many pounds in its talons, which makes it hard for them to hunt adult cats. However, cats can be fatally injured by being dropped from great heights or from wounds inflicted by the birds’ sharp talons. These avian hunters swoop quickly and efficiently. If you are aware of such birds patrolling the skies, it is best to supervise your cat’s outdoor time and keep a close eye on them.
- Foxes
These wild animals are well known for their taste for hunting cats and giving them a chase. They are not known for making meals out of cats. However, they can inflict serious injuries on them which may ultimately lead to death. Foxes are carriers of diseases such as rabies, which make them super aggressive. It is possible for a fox to attack your cat due to excitement. What starts as a chase for sport can get the animal’s blood up and if they strike at the right point they are likely to kill your cat. More often than not, however, cats and foxes pay no attention to each other. They seek the same food sources during nighttime and have thus learned to coexist.
