If you have a cat and live near wild areas—or even in the suburbs—you might find yourself worrying about coyotes. The truth is, coyotes will eat cats if they get the chance, especially when food is hard to find or your cat is outside alone.
Cats aren’t usually their first choice, but in some neighborhoods, they’re easy prey.
Coyotes adapt fast and can live close to people without you even realizing it. They might show up in your yard even if you rarely spot them.
Knowing the risks and how to protect your cat can help you feel more at ease and keep your pet safer.
It’s worth understanding why coyotes hunt cats and what you can actually do to prevent it. There are practical steps you can take to keep your cat safe and ways to spot coyote activity near your home.
Will a Coyote Eat a Cat?
Coyotes will eat whatever’s easiest to find. Their decision to hunt cats really depends on what else is around and how easy it is to catch.
Why Coyotes Hunt Cats
Coyotes usually eat small animals like rabbits, rodents, and insects. But when these animals disappear, coyotes look for something else.
Cats—both pets and feral—sometimes end up as targets if they live near coyote territory.
Coyotes don’t go after cats first, but they won’t turn down the chance if a cat looks vulnerable. Feral cats, who wander outside alone, face a bigger risk since they don’t have anyone watching out for them.
Coyote Diet in Urban Areas
In cities and suburbs, coyotes sometimes have a tough time finding food. They still prefer wild prey like mice and rabbits, but they’ll eat fruit or dig through trash too.
Researchers have found that coyote diets can really vary. In some cities, cats make up to 42% of what coyotes eat. In other places, it’s only 1-2%.
It all depends on how many cats are outside and what other food is available.
Coyote Attacks on Cats
Coyotes attack cats more often when cats roam outside at night or wander freely. These attacks happen fast, and coyotes rely on catching cats by surprise.
Small dogs and kittens also face danger in these situations. If you notice coyotes nearby, your outdoor cats could be at risk.
It’s much safer to bring your cat indoors or watch them closely outside.
How Coyotes Hunt and Kill Cats
Coyotes rely on speed, sharp senses, and solid hunting skills. They can reach speeds up to 40 miles per hour and use their keen eyesight and sense of smell to track prey.
Most of the time, coyotes hunt alone, but sometimes they’ll pair up to catch animals. They surprise their prey and attack quickly before the cat can react.
Cats are pretty good at climbing and hiding, so giving your cat access to high spots can help it avoid trouble.
For more on coyote behavior and cat safety, you can check out coyote attacks on cats.
How to Protect Cats from Coyotes
You can take real steps to keep your cat safe from coyotes. Try keeping cats indoors or watch them closely if they go outside.
Building safe outdoor spaces and using special fencing can help keep coyotes away. These steps lower the risk of attacks and give your cat a safer place to be.
Keeping Cats Indoors and Supervised
The safest way to protect your cat is to keep it inside, especially at dawn and dusk when coyotes are most active. If your cat has to go out, supervise it closely.
Letting your cat roam freely just makes it more likely to run into a coyote.
When you watch your cat, you prevent it from wandering into risky spots. You could try a harness and leash if you want your cat to get some fresh air but still stay safe.
Keeping your cat indoors also helps protect feral cats nearby by reducing things that attract coyotes.
Using Catios and Enclosures
A catio is basically an outdoor enclosure that lets cats enjoy the outdoors safely. Catios come in all shapes and sizes and you can attach them to your house or set them up in your yard.
They give your cat a taste of nature without the risks.
Catios also block coyotes from getting close. The mesh or bars keep predators out while your cat gets to explore.
This is a great option if you want your cat to enjoy the outside world but don’t want to worry about coyotes.
Coyote-Proof Fencing and Coyote Rollers
A sturdy fence can really help keep coyotes out of your yard. Go for fencing that’s at least 6 feet tall, and make sure there aren’t any gaps or holes.
If you add a coyote roller to the top, it gets even tougher for coyotes to climb over. These rollers spin, so coyotes just can’t get a grip and end up slipping off.
You’ll get the best results if you pair coyote-proof fences with other precautions. Try securing your trash and clearing away any food that might attract them.
This kind of fencing also gives feral cats a better shot at staying safe, since it puts a barrier between them and any curious coyotes.
