If you’re worried about opossums harming your cat, let’s clear things up. Opossums don’t usually eat cats and aren’t really a danger to healthy adult cats. Most of the time, they eat plants, bugs, and sometimes small animals like rodents.
Opossums might defend themselves if they feel cornered, but you won’t see them hunting cats. Newborn kittens could be more at risk, but even then, attacks are rare. Knowing this might help you worry a little less when you spot one in your yard.
If you know what attracts opossums and how to keep them away, you can better protect your pets and garden. Let’s dig into their behavior and figure out how to live alongside them without too much trouble.
Do Opossums Eat or Attack Cats?
Opossums don’t usually go after cats. Still, every now and then, conflicts happen. Whether you’ve got a kitten or a full-grown cat, it’s worth knowing how opossums act and what might make them lash out.
Are Opossums a Threat to Adult Cats?
Most of the time, opossums don’t threaten adult cats. They don’t hunt cats for food and will avoid bigger animals if they can. If an opossum feels scared or trapped, it might hiss, show its teeth, or try to defend itself, but it doesn’t usually start a fight.
Cats usually avoid opossums or even chase them off. Honestly, you’ll probably see the opossum try to run away or play dead instead of sticking around for a fight.
If you leave pet food outside overnight, you might attract both opossums and trouble. Keep food indoors to help everyone stay safe.
Opossums and Kittens: Potential Dangers
Kittens are a different story since they’re small and not as strong. Opossums don’t hunt kittens, but really young or weak kittens could be at risk because opossums sometimes eat small mammals or carrion.
Raccoons pose a bigger threat to kittens, but if an opossum comes across a very weak or unattended kitten, it might take the opportunity for an easy meal.
If you’ve got outdoor kittens, try to keep them in a safe, enclosed space at night. It’s not that opossums are out to get them, but they might go after something that looks like easy prey or is competing for food.
How Do Opossums Typically Behave Around Cats?
Opossums act shy and usually avoid trouble. They’re nocturnal, sneaking around at night to eat fruit, bugs, or the occasional small animal. Around cats, opossums tend to mind their own business or leave.
Most opossums treat the smell of cats as a warning. If one feels trapped, it might hiss, growl, or just flop over and play dead. Sometimes you’ll spot opossums scavenging in your yard, especially if you leave pet food out overnight.
Here are a few things you can do to keep opossums away:
- Bring pet food inside before dark
- Keep trash cans tightly closed
- Block off spaces under decks where they might hide
Want to know more? Check out The Truth about Opossums.
Protecting Your Pets and Discouraging Opossums
You can keep opossums out of your yard by making it less appealing. Honestly, just a few simple changes—like removing food and shelter—can help protect your pets and stop opossums from hanging around.
Reducing Attractants for Opossums
Opossums love easy meals. Make sure your garbage cans have tight lids. Bring in pet food bowls at night so you’re not inviting them over for dinner.
If you have bird feeders, try moving them away from trees or just take them down for a bit. Pick up fallen fruit or berries from your yard since opossums enjoy those snacks.
Keep compost piles fenced off or covered. That way, you’re not giving them another reason to visit.
Safe Practices for Cat Owners
Try to keep your cats indoors at night, especially if you’ve seen opossums around. If your cat eats outside, pick up the food dish as soon as they’re done.
Look for gaps or small openings around your house where an opossum could sneak in. Don’t forget to check pet doors and cracks near the foundation.
Some people use cat hair or mild scent deterrents in the yard to signal to opossums that it’s not a good place to hang out. It’s a simple way to help keep your pets safe—no harm done.
Discouraging Opossums from Your Yard
Cut back any tree branches or bushes that reach your roof or fences. Opossums love to climb, and they’ll use those paths to get around.
Try to keep your yard tidy—pick up sticks, leaves, or anything they might use for a nest. I’ve found that motion-activated lights work pretty well; those sudden bursts of brightness really throw them off.
Patch up holes in fences, and seal up attic vents or gaps under porches. If your yard doesn’t feel cozy, opossums usually won’t bother sticking around.
Want more ideas? Check out these helpful tips on discouraging opossums.
