how do i protect my outdoor cats from coyotes

Cat food can attract a variety of wildlife, including coyotes, to your yard: try feeding indoors, or if you must feed out-of-doors, do so in the middle of the day when most wildlife is not moving around, and please don’t leave the food out there. Here’s why there are so many coyotes and why they are spreading so fast “Coyotes will kill cats,” Kays said. To protect your yard, fences needs to be at least 8 feet tall and made of smooth materials that won’t allow the coyote traction. Coyotes aren't the only threat cats face when they go outside—there are far greater dangers. Reply STOP to opt out. 5.) If you must feed your pet outside, do so during the day. Consider adding predator deterrents in your backyard. She also writes about gardening and is the founder of Our Garden, a demonstration garden in Walnut Creek. Keeping Coyotes Out: Coyotes are smart, persistent and small.That means most fences and garden walls won't keep them out. Another option is a coyote-proof cat shelter. Cats who aren’t fixed are more likely to roam away from home, Mosenco says. Devices such as the "coyote roller,” which “rolls off” coyotes that try to scramble over the fence, can enhance the effectiveness of a fence. Coyotes can easily jump 6-foot fences, and can scale taller ones that give them toe holds, such as cyclone fences. Outdoor cats are at risk for diseases like feline leukemia, distemper, and upper respiratory infections—not to mention fleas and other pests. The coyote sees your beloved pet as food, and it will attempt to protect it. During this time, it is especially important not to let dogs outside unattended and to keep them on leashes when in public areas. However, if you have an outdoor cat, or there are feral cat colonies near your home, there are a few simple things that you can do to protect these animals. Keep unattended cats and dogs indoors or in completely enclosed runs, especially at night, and do not assume that a fence will keep a coyote out of your back yard. As we increase human populations and develop formerly green space, wild areas, we are coming face to face with more wildlife, like coyotes, explains Camilla Fox, founder and executive director of Project Coyote, an organization that strives to foster coexistence between people and wildlife. Cat fencing is another way to keep your cat contained to your backyard. A gift for animals means so much during the holiday season—but it means even more this year. Our rescue is located in a rural area and, while we have never had an encounter ourselves, we frequently hear them in the surrounding forested areas. The razor-sharp wire can also lead to unintentional injuries. I live in Portland, OR, about ten minutes from downtown. (You'll be helping your neighboring wildlife stay safer and happier as well.) Birds, mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits are all fair game to a cat. Those things may include: That doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your fruit trees and gardens, but you should harvest often and keep dropped fruit cleaned up. A safe outdoor cattery is the best way for kitties to spend time outside the house I used to get calls at the animal shelter where I worked, asking if there were effective coyote repellents or if a 6-foot fence was good enough protection for a pet cat. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Dogs (especially small dogs) should not be left outside unattended, should never be chained and should always be kept on a leash in public areas. Message and data rates may apply. I’m currently wondering if my indoor/outdoor cat was injured in a cat or raccoon fight and I should keep searching for him or if he was eaten by a coyote and I would appreciate some expertise. Urban coyotes have a fierce and formidable reputation as midnight predators that stalk and kill our beloved pets, especially small dogs and outdoor cats. We’ll discuss how to do this further on. Don't let your small dog (or cat) roam in the backyard if you suspect a coyote is lurking. Some people let their cats outside because they mistakenly believe it's cruel to keep cats indoors. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. Posts should be at least 7 feet tall and made out of a material that a cat can climb, with enough space on top for the cat to sit. Walk pets on a 6 foot leash at all times. Our closest neighbor is 3 miles away. Thread starter #11 bock Songster. Outdoor lights are another way to repel coyotes. Cats that live outdoors in the city do their darnedest to steer clear of urban coyotes, a new study says. Walking your pet on a leash with necessary deterrents. If your rabbit’s hutch is predator-proof, this solves the biggest problem. “Especially because the cats expend more calories in the wintertime than they do in the summertime,” Huggins says. It's also possible that neighboring cats are coming to your yard in search of prey. Make sure you turn on lights if it is dark to check your back yard for unexpected wildlife. Try spraying the coyote with a hose or throw rocks and sticks near the animal. Are there ways to protect my pets and family from coyotes? They also hunt for sport, so keeping your cat well-fed won’t deter them from attacking. All Access Digital offer for just 99 cents! You say: Well, when coyotes are around, just keep your cat inside. Coyote terrorizes Bay Area neighborhood; multiple dogs killed, attacked, Here’s why there are so many coyotes and why they are spreading so fast, Coyote bites 5-year-old boy at California college campus, Off-duty cop throttles coyote attacking child. Create an Unwelcome Environment for Coyotes 5.) Devices such as the Night Guard Solar continuously flash a small red light that animals mistake for the eyes of another creature. You also can install barbed or concertina wire on the top of your fences, although people may not be keen on making their backyards look like prison yards. While a properly built catio is perfectly safe for your cat, if you want added protection, a motion sensor sprinkler or coyote roller for your fence can provide that extra peace of mind. Catios are such a great way to enrich your cat’s life and we want to make sure they are always safe. The SpikeVest for Cats covers the back and the neck with a formidable array of shiny spikes that makes it very difficult for a coyote or aggressive dog to bite down. Place the house in the sun. Your fence should be at least 5 to 6 feet tall and made of brick, cement blocks, wood or net -- wire is recommended. Coyote Protection on Walks. These can be climbed by cats but not by coyotes, Elevate feeding stations beyond coyotes’—but not the cats’—reach, Discourage/harass coyotes seen on the property. If you let them out it's not IF the coyote will get them it's when. He’s been gone for 3 days now. Make sure all trash is in a secure container. Ken Benjamin created an outdoor “Catio” or enclosed patio for cats (which could also be a “Doggio” for small dogs.) One of our cats went missing a few weeks ago (presumably killed by the coyotes). Cat lover Lisa Harris used to let her seven felines roam outdoors – until she saw a coyote waltzing across her front yard. It's entirely constructed with a super tough puncture resistant Cordura ® fabric that can resist sharp teeth and features a large collar to protect the back of the neck. When walking your dog in open spaces, keep your pet on a short leash (6 feet or shorter) and be wary when approaching heavily vegetated areas. Here are some things you can do to protect your dogs, cats, and family members from a coyote attack: Always accompany your small dog outside when it’s time for them to use the restroom, especially at dusk, dawn, and night. Donkeys will rush at a coyote. Keep cats indoors. For coyotes, the lights should be positioned about 30 inches off the ground, which also should prevent the light from flashing into your neighbor’s windows. How can I protect my cat or dog from coyotes? Remove all attractants from your yard (see section #1). Use treats to entice your outdoor cat inside before it gets dark. When a coyote smells the scent of wolf urine, it knows danger is nearby. Keep pets indoors or in an outdoor cage from dusk until dawn. 3. © 2020 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy Policy & Terms. Pet food and water should be kept indoors to avoid attracting coyotes to your yard. Coyotes typically hunt small mammals such as mice, voles and rabbits. Cats that live outdoors in the city do their darnedest to steer clear of urban coyotes, a new study says. If you already have a fence, install “coyote rollers” on top. She has lived in the Bay Area since 1988. To protect your rabbit, you should make your own predator-proof hutch. When you allow your cat to roam freely outdoors, even for short periods of time, you expose her to perils such as cars, dogs, diseases, coyotes, poisons and cruel people. Feed your pets indoors. If you encounter a coyote in an urban area, try to startle it, move away (don't run), and carry your small dog with you. Use wolf urine to repel coyotes the natural way. A cat's best defense is flight. If there’s nothing appetizing left out for a coyote, it won’t bother to come around. Well, we don't really live in a neighborhood. How do I protect my cats from coyotes? Straw (not hay!) Coyotes have been known to clear six-foot fences. The best way to protect your pets is to let them outside only when you are with them—especially at night—and to keep pet food and water inside. Oct 10, 2008 2,281 20 191 Northern CA. *** There are no two ways about it: If you have a small to medium-sized dog, you need to be aware of the potential dangers coyotes represent. Install cat posts for outside cats. In an effort to deter fellow cats, you can also buy coyote or mountain lion urine and mark your yard with it. Use Outdoor Lights to Protect Small Dogs from Coyotes. Coyotes aren't the only threat cats face when they go outside—there are far greater dangers. Don't do it ... period. The truth is that cats who are protected from the dangers outside live longer, happier lives. If you have livestock or other animals, put a single llama or donkey in the space and keep more of your animals safe. In addition to protecting pets from hawks, owls, and other raptors, taking steps to keep a pet safe will help them avoid other hazards.Birds of prey are not the only hunters that will target pets, and protected pets are much safer from coyotes, foxes, bears, and other predators. A fence may help deter coyotes, but is not full-proof. A few months ago I posted a frantic post about moving with my outdoor cat who was going to be an indoor cat for a while: Just Moved, Cat Is Stressed! It stops predators from being able to reach your rabbit. Although you may think of a guard dog, donkeys and llamas are actually better guard animals to protect your space against coyotes. The coyote already know you're a food source. If given the opportunity, they will also make a meal of a cat, tame or feral. Make sure you use only non-absorbent materials that will keep cats dry and replace them when they get dirty or wet. These can be expensive and impractical for some gardens, though. See all above recommendations for additional ideas. Although you may think of a guard dog, donkeys and llamas are actually better guard animals to protect your space against coyotes. And coyotes do routinely go after cats and smaller dogs. Morris started her career in 1978 as a reporter for a small New Mexico newspaper. The coyote vest mentioned above is great for your dog to wear on a walk if you’re in an area where you might encounter one. Choose a collar with a safety clasp that will come undone if it gets snagged on something, to reduce the danger of strangulation. In the wilderness, coyotes fear just about only one animal. Walk pets on a 6 foot leash at all times. You probably do, and just don't know it. The easiest way to protect your cats from coyote attacks is to keep them indoors. Help Please She adjusted well and we recently had our final move to our permanent home. Here are some things you can do to protect your dogs, cats, and family members from a coyote attack: Always accompany your small dog outside when it’s time for them to use the restroom, especially at dusk, dawn, and night. Are there ways to protect my pets and family…, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window), Santa Clara County reports COVID outbreak at juvenile hall, youth ranch. Install a Coyote-Proof Cat Shelter. Deterrents are available in liquid sprays too. Coyote attacks on dogs and cats occur for several different reasons. To keep coyotes out of your yard and away from dogs, cats and children takes a solution as wild and naturally powerful as coyotes themselves. I live in the suburbs in south Louisiana. This generally occurs during the coyote breeding season, which takes place from January through March. My parents found a young coyote in our garage recently. Like many cat lovers, you may have thought about letting your cat go outside. Here are some general suggestions for keeping such cats safer: Dogs (especially small dogs) are also vulnerable to coyote confrontations. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390. Sort by reaction score Thread starter bock; Start date Jul 5, 2010; Prev. "It is a good idea to keep your cat up to date on veterinary check-ups including vaccinations and flea preventative, especially if … The presence of other small animals, such as rats. Keep cats indoors. For their safety (as well as the safety of native wild songbirds and small mammals), cats should be kept indoors or supervised when outside. And if you have outdoor cats, now is a good time to bring them indoors. When you allow your cat to roam freely outdoors, even for short periods of time, you expose her to perils such as … Protect fruit trees and vegetable gardens to deter coyotes from scavenging for food on your property. Things like habitat encroachment, habitat alteration, and food can be an attraction for different species. Utilize exclusionary fencing (see section #3). Scraps from trash cans, pesticides, and other poisons are a danger to your cat. We must always be vigilant when it comes to our pets and the wild animals that also live in the area, but there are some specific things you can do to make your pet safer from coyotes. If you want your cat to be safe, keep her indoors. How can I protect my other 2 cats from becoming the next victims? Use air horns or whistles blasted in the coyote’s direction, or bang a pot with a large spoon. Coyotes occasionally prey on free-roaming pets (mainly cats) since there is no real difference, from the coyote’s perspective, between a wild groundhog or squirrel and a similarly sized pet. Here at Dog Tales, we are constantly on high alert for coyotes. Sprayshield™ Slingshot Keep pets on a leash . Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Why the Bay Area’s pets are behaving strangely. How can I protect my pets from coyotes? How can I protect my pets from coyotes? Work with your neighbors to prevent their pets from visiting your yard or hunting birds you want to protect. Donkeys will rush at a coyote. These concerns are well founded, as coyotes will be attracted to both the outdoor pet food and the cats themselves as prey. Although “attacks” on larger dogs are rarer, coyotes will sometimes go after a large dog when they feel that their territory is threatened. 11 Years. Off-duty cop throttles coyote attacking child These won’t offer 100% protection, but they will help to keep your cat safe from coyote attacks. She had been wondering the streets for who knows how long and loved it outside. Cats DO NOT need to be imprisoned indoors in order to be kept safe. How can I protect my other 2 cats from becoming the next victims? The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. My concern is at night when visibility is low and coyotes do their roaming. Lightening your yards with outdoor lights or motion-sensor lights will help discourage coyotes from prowling there. I’m currently wondering if my indoor/outdoor cat was injured in a cat or raccoon fight and I should keep searching for him or if he was eaten by a coyote and I would appreciate some expertise. Many people assume that coyotes don't live in suburban or urban neighborhoods because they don't see them. Experts agree that the best way to drive coyotes from the area is through hazing. See all above recommendations for additional ideas. These repellents are available in dry granular forms that have ingredients targeting a cat’s natural fears of predators by using the urine of other animals, like bobcats, coyotes and foxes. The plan all … First, you should make sure to provide outdoor cats with a way to escape coyote attacks. There are many news stories and Youtube videos depicting these scenarios; many are just too distressing and graphic to share here. People who feed feral cats are often concerned that coyotes might prey on the cats. Outdoor Cats. Your cat can catch feline leukemia and FIV from other outdoor cats, and there's also the risk for fleas, ticks, worms, and mosquitoes. The only guaranteed way to protect a cat from coyotes is to keep him as an entirely indoor cat, perhaps with access to a very secure outdoor run. Flashing lights have proved successful against coyotes and other predators. The best way to protect your pets is to let them outside only when you are with them—especially at night—and to keep pet food and water inside. Spay or neuter your pet. Of particular concern to owners’ of lost or outdoor-access cats is how frequently coyotes eat cats. Keep your cats inside at night. Coyote terrorizes Bay Area neighborhood; multiple dogs killed, attacked Don’t let your pets out unattended. Coyotes dine on cats and small dogs, among other edibles.

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