Posted by Danny MacDonald on 2023 Mar 31st
Let’s face it. Outdoor cats are never 100% safe.
If you have an outdoor cat, protecting it from predators such as foxes, coyotes, and other animals that may threaten its safety is crucial.
We've compiled some tips to help you keep your outdoor or feral cat safe from harm.
1. Keep your cat indoors at night
One of the ways to keep your outdoor cat safe from predators is to keep it indoors through the night.
Why?
Because many predators, such as coyotes and foxes, are most active at night, your cat will be more vulnerable.
Keeping your cat indoors at night significantly reduces the risk of a predator attack.
2. Install outdoor lighting
Another way to help protect your feral cat from predators is to install outdoor lighting.
With bright lights outside, predators are less likely to approach your home. Consider installing motion-activated lights to prevent predators from coming near your home.
3. Make use of physical barriers
Physical barriers can also be effective in keeping predators away from your cat. For example, you can install a fence around your home to prevent access by predators.
You can also create an enclosed outdoor space that allows your cat to enjoy the outdoors while being safe from predators.
4. Use scent deterrents
Predators like coyotes and foxes rely heavily on their sense of smell to hunt. To counter that, you can use scent deterrents to keep them away.
For example, you can sprinkle coyote or fox urine around the perimeter of your home to help keep the predators from coming near your home.
5. Keep your cat well-fed and hydrated
A well-fed and hydrated cat is less likely to venture far from your home in search of food or water, which reduces its risk of encountering predators. Thus, ensure your cat can access plenty of food and fresh water to keep it healthy and content.
6. Train your cat to be wary of predators
While you can't directly communicate with your cat, you can train it to be cautious of predators. For example, you can use a water-filled spray bottle to spray your cat when it gets too close to a predator, which can help teach it to avoid them and stay safe.
7. Keep your property clean and tidy
Predators are attracted to areas with many hiding spots, including debris and tall grass. You can reduce the risk of predators hiding around your home or property by keeping it clean and tidy. So, keep your lawn mowed, remove clutter or debris, and trim overgrown bushes or trees.
Bottom Line
Protecting your outdoor cat from predators is essential for its safety. Following these tips above, you can help keep your feral cat safe from harm and enjoy the benefits of having an outdoor cat without worrying about its safety and well-being.
When it comes to protecting your cat from predators, prevention is critical, so it’s always to take the necessary steps to keep your cat safe and happy.
Outdoor cats or feral cats can be a great addition to your family. However, keeping them safe can be a challenge. It’s why many cat owners opt for outdoor cat enclosures to provide their feline friends with a secure outdoor space for play and exploration. Building a DIY outdoor cat enclosure is a great way to give your cat(s) fresh [...]
If you're a cat owner, you know how important it is to provide your cat with a balanced diet. Unfortunately, many cat owners struggle to provide adequate nutrition for their feline family members due to the high price of premium cat food. There are some smart strategies for cutting costs on cat food without jeopardizing the [...]
Cats are one of the most popular pets, and for a good reason. They are affectionate, low maintenance, and make excellent companions. However, talking to our feline buddies is one thing that people frequently need to do, limiting them to the many advantages of talking to your cat. Here are six reasons why you should [...]
Cats are cherished household pets known for their independence and mysterious character. However, personality-wise, not all cats are equal. While some cats are social and lively, others are more independent and shy.For this reason, cat owners need to adopt a cat that fits their lifestyle. Specific feline characteristics may mesh better with your lifestyle than [...]
Cats make excellent pets but can be challenging to train. However, the right breed can easily be trained to learn new tricks and behaviors. If you're looking for a cat breed that is relatively easy to train, here are a few of the most trainable cat breeds1) The Abyssinian CatAbyssinian cats are one of the [...]
Cute and paw-some as they are, cats are not without their peculiarities. They're naturally curious, self-reliant, clever, humorous, and comical, so it isn't surprising that they sometimes act in ways that baffle us as cat owners.To that end, we did some digging to help cat owners baffled by their feline companion's odd behavior. Keep reading to find out what weird [...]
According to International Cat Care, 95% of cat owners want more advice on training their cats, with at least half saying they struggled to get their cat into a cat carrier.It may surprise some, but it’s possible to teach cats new tricks. Training your cat can be helpful in various practical ways, such as making them more friendly and [...]
Bringing in a new pet to your home is a wonderful feeling. Once you’ve determined to bring in a new pet addition to your home, planning how to get both your cat and new pet will get along deserves considerable attention. Although it’s exciting to get a new family addition, there are inevitable missteps and mistakes to avoid [...]
Cats are wonderful pets and make one of the most favorite pets in the world. Many people all over the world enjoy keeping cats as pets and companions. And like many other would-be cat parents, you've undoubtedly gone through an extended process in your quest to adopt a furry family member.However, before you decide to bring a cat [...]