If you have a cat, your main priority is most likely to keep him or her as healthy and as safe as possible. But, have you ever been concerned about letting your kitty outdoors in case they’re attacked by another animal? This is a growing question among cat owners, especially when it comes to foxes. So, do foxes eat cats? How much of a danger are they to your purring friend? In this article, we’re going to tell you more about your cat’s safety when it comes to foxes.
About Foxes
Today, there are approximately 258,000 foxes across Great Britain. They often scavenge for food during dusk or at night and typically will eat anything they can get their paws on. They sometimes make loud, unsettling screams but this doesn’t necessarily mean that you or your cat are in danger.
Do Foxes Eat Cats?
So, do foxes eat cats? The quick answer is yes. But, is it likely? Not really! According to expert professor, Steve Harris, approximately 500 cats live in each fox territory in the UK but, a fox will only kill one cat every 6 years. If you do the math, the statistical probability your cat will be killed by a fox is very low. While possible, it shouldn’t be a grave call for concern.
Cats Know Self Defense
If you have a grumpy or skittish cat, you know what it’s like when they lose their temper. The claws come out and the hissing starts. If you’ve experienced this before, you know that cats have their own way of defending themselves.
You’re probably thinking that these cat predators are wild and vicious animals. Well, actually no. They tend to mind their own business. Moreover, the average male fox weighs around 6kg. That’s only a tiny bit bigger than a grown cat. If foxes and cats meet in the middle of the night, you can be sure that the fox will not go unscathed. With this in mind, a fox is more likely to go about their evening without even acknowledging or confronting your cat.
Keeping Your Cat Safe From Foxes
When asking yourself do foxes eat cats, you should still be wary. Despite the fact that it is a far rarer occurrence than many believe, it does still happen. You should always keep your cat inside under the following circumstances:
- If your cat is unwell, weak, or very old
- If your cat has kittens or you own a kitten
- If you regularly see foxes in your garden
Alternatively, be sure to always keep your cat indoors during the night to minimize the risk of them encountering a brave fox.
Diseases and Parasites
A fox is almost more likely to pass on disease or parasites to your cat rather than actually eating him or her. With this in mind, make sure your cat’s vaccines are up-to-date and give them a regular dose of deworming and flea treatments.
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