What Animals Hunt Cats?
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Posted by Jennifer Copley Aug 4, 2009 |
The foremost enemies of cats have been people and tiny organisms – bacteria, viruses, and parasites. However, when it comes to hunting or fighting, domestic cats are most likely to be attacked by dogs or other cats. Among carnivores, larger animals usually kill smaller ones, and among big cats, many species regularly kill the cubs of other species.
Coyotes frequently hunt bobcats and domestic cats (and smaller dogs) if they can get them, while wolves have been known to kill pumas. Domestic cats are also frequently attacked by raccoons, foxes, and even the larger avian predators such as owls and eagles.
Despite their reputation as natural enemies, cats and dogs can learn to get along well, particularly if they are raised together from the time one or both are quite young. Some cats and dogs even become the best of friends.
It’s also possible, though trickier, to introduce adult animals to one another. In this case, the key to success is controlling the dog and letting the cat take charge of the situation at her own pace, as she will be the more fearful of the two, given the size difference (the exception to this is introducing a large cat to a very small dog).
For more on cats and dogs, see Introducing a New Dog to Your Cat.
For more cat facts, see:
- How Long Is a Cat's Pregnancy?
- How Many Hours Do Cats Sleep Each Day?
- Do Cats Seek Revenge?
- How Young Can a Cat Have Kittens?
- Cats Don't Always Land on Their Feet
- Why Cats Have Whiskers
- Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
- Can You Feed a Cat Dog Food?
- Can Cats Be Fed a Vegetarian Diet?
- Why Do Cats Make Chattering Sounds When They See Birds Through a Window?
- Why Do Cats' Eyes Glow in the Dark?
- Tortoiseshell Cats Are Nearly Always Female
- Are White Cats with Blue Eyes Deaf?
- Why Do Cats Make Sudden Mad Dashes Around the House?
- Why Does My Cat Prefer Dirty Water That's Been Sitting Around to Fresh Tap Water?
- Are Cats and Dogs Colour-Blind?
- Do Cats Dream?