If you’ve got a cat that spends time outside, it’s only natural to worry about coyotes. The truth? Coyotes do eat cats when they get the chance. They usually go after smaller animals like mice and rabbits, but if a cat’s nearby and they’re hungry, well, a cat can become prey.
Coyotes are clever and manage to live close to people—even in cities and suburbs. This means your outdoor cat could be at risk, sometimes without you even realizing it.
If you know how and why coyotes hunt cats, you’ll have a better shot at keeping your pet safe.
Do Coyotes Eat Cats and Why?
Coyotes are flexible hunters and eat all sorts of animals. They don’t always hunt cats, but if a cat’s easy to catch or food is running low, they’ll take the chance.
Knowing what coyotes eat, how often they attack, and what puts your cat at risk can help you keep your furry friend safer.
Coyote Diet and Opportunistic Predator Behavior
Coyotes eat whatever’s around. Usually, that means rabbits, rodents, insects, fruits, and sometimes small livestock.
Since they’re opportunistic predators, they’ll eat cats if they get the opportunity—especially if their favorite food is scarce.
They don’t go looking for cats as their first choice, but outdoor and feral cats are vulnerable. Coyotes change their diet based on where they live.
For example, city coyotes might eat more garbage and small pets than those out in the wild. They can run up to 35–43 miles per hour, so if a cat’s caught outside with nowhere to hide, it can become an easy target.
How Often Do Coyotes Kill Cats?
How often coyotes kill cats really depends on where you live. Some studies say cats show up in about 42% of coyote feeding events, while others put it way lower—like 1-2%.
It all comes down to how much natural food is around and how many cats are outdoors.
In cities and suburbs, coyotes mostly eat natural prey like rabbits or rodents. But if a cat’s around, they’ll go for it.
Most attacks happen at night when coyotes are most active. Small dogs and kittens can be at risk too, but cats are often more vulnerable because of their size and habits.
Factors That Increase Coyote Attacks on Cats
Some things just make it more likely a coyote will go after your cat. If you let your cat outside without watching, it’s more exposed.
Leaving pet food out or feeding feral cats can draw coyotes right into your yard.
If a cat can’t escape easily—like if it’s stuck in a corner or near thick bushes—it’s in more danger. Coyotes usually hunt alone or in pairs, so having several cats outside might catch their attention.
Time of day matters, too. Coyotes are most active at night and early morning, so cats roaming then face bigger risks.
Here’s how you can lower the risk:
- Keep your cat indoors or supervise it outside.
- Don’t leave food outside.
- Give your cat high places to climb if it needs to escape.
- Pick up leftover food so it doesn’t attract coyotes.
For more tips, you might want to check out how to protect cats from coyotes.
Preventing Coyote Encounters and Protecting Your Cat
Keeping your cat safe means you need to cut down on what attracts coyotes and other wildlife to your yard. It also helps to know about other urban predators sharing the neighborhood.
Some simple steps can make a real difference, especially during risky times.
Cat Food and Other Attractants
Leaving cat food outside is practically rolling out the welcome mat for coyotes, raccoons, and skunks. These critters love easy meals, so food left out can bring them close to your home.
Keep all pet food inside and don’t leave leftovers or water bowls out overnight. Make sure your trash cans have tight lids.
Coyotes and raccoons are surprisingly good at getting into loosely closed trash and will follow the smell.
Trim back overgrown bushes or tall grass near your yard—these spots give animals a place to hide. Getting rid of these attractants makes your yard less appealing to predators looking for food or shelter.
Common Urban Predators and Shared Habitats
Coyotes share city spaces with raccoons, skunks, and other predators. All these animals can be active at dawn and dusk, which might be when your cat likes to roam.
Raccoons and skunks often come for garbage or pet food, and their presence can attract coyotes, making things riskier for your cat.
These animals adapt really well to city life, so you might not even notice they’re around.
Keep an eye on your neighborhood. If you spot these animals often, it’s probably time to keep your cat indoors, at least during those hours.
Effective Cat Safety Strategies
Honestly, the safest thing you can do for your cat is keep it indoors, especially around dawn, dusk, and at night. If your cat really craves outdoor time, why not try building a secure enclosure or a catio? That way, coyotes and other critters won’t get in.
You might want to set up motion-activated lights or even noise devices in your yard. Those can startle coyotes and raccoons, making them think twice about coming close.
Trim back bushes near your house so predators don’t have easy hiding spots. It’s a simple step, but it helps.
If you absolutely have to let your cat outside, make sure you keep an eye on it. Try to stick to daylight hours, since coyotes usually aren’t as active then.
Want more tips? Check out how to protect cats from coyotes safely.
