Many cat owners wonder if their furry companions are at risk of becoming prey for coyotes that venture into neighborhoods. If you’ve seen coyotes in your area and want to know more about their hunting patterns, especially when it comes to feline pets, you’ve come to the right place.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Coyotes are most likely to hunt cats at night and during their pup-rearing season from March to August.
Coyote Hunting Patterns and Behavior
Coyotes are opportunistic predators
Coyotes are clever and adaptable predators that will eat almost anything. They primarily hunt small mammals like rabbits, rodents and even insects. However, they are opportunistic and will also prey on pets, livestock and poultry if given the chance.
According to wildlife experts, around 60-70% of a coyote’s diet consists of small mammals while the rest is a mix of fruits, birds, reptiles and even garbage.
Since coyotes are omnivores, they can thrive in many different habitats from forests to deserts to urban areas. As humans expand into their territories, coyotes have adapted to take advantage of the easy meals our neighborhoods provide like outdoor pet food, compost piles and unattended pets.
Coyotes hunt mostly at night when cats are out
Coyotes do the majority of their hunting under the cover of darkness. In fact, they are most active at dusk and dawn especially in areas where their natural wariness of humans keeps them hidden during the day.
This nocturnal schedule lines up perfectly with when outdoor cats are most active and vulnerable.
According to the Humane Society, roughly 80% of coyote attacks on pets occur at night which makes unsupervised outdoor cats easy targets. Kitties are often caught unaware while exploring yards or stalking prey themselves.
Coyotes can quickly snatch a cat and carry it away into the woods making rescue unlikely.
Breeding season makes coyotes more aggressive hunters
Coyotes go into hyper drive to hunt during breeding season from January through March. This is when coyote litters are born and parents need extra food to feed their growing pups. It’s estimated that a coyote family of 6 pups can eat up to 1,500 rodents a month!
During this time, coyotes venture out of their normal hunting grounds and take more risks near humans to find food. Experts sayprotecting cats is especially critical in winter and early spring when coyotes are emboldened by hunger.
Statistics show coyote attacks on outdoor pets spike by 35-45% during breeding season.
How to Keep Cats Safe from Coyotes
Keep cats indoors or supervise time outside
One of the best ways to protect cats from coyotes is to keep them inside, especially at night when coyotes are most active. Allowing cats outdoor access should only be done under supervision (American Humane).
Coyotes primarily hunt between dusk and dawn, so keeping cats indoors during these high-risk times is crucial.
If allowing outdoor access, accompany cats when possible and do not leave them unattended for long periods. Even large, healthy cats can be vulnerable to coyote attacks. Coyotes may also prey on unattended small dogs, so supervision applies to them as well.
Always bring cats and small dogs indoors well before sundown.
Use deterrents to scare coyotes away
There are various deterrents that may effectively scare coyotes away from your yard and discourage them from returning. Making loud noises, spraying them with water hoses, or throwing objects toward (not aiming to hit) coyotes may startle them initially (HSUS).
High-frequency electronic training devices also emit unpleasant sounds that can deter coyotes.
Motion-activated sprinklers effectively startle coyotes with sudden bursts of water. Flashing lights, lasers, and noisemakers can also scare coyotes away. Using multiple varieties of deterrents and occasionally changing locations is best so coyotes don’t get used to them.
Secure your yard against coyotes
Prevent coyotes’ access by securing all possible entry points with fencing, preferably six feet high with an additional coyote roller (a rounded top that spins when climbed on). Bury fencing at least 12 inches underground to prevent coyotes from digging underneath (California Department of Fish and Wildlife).
Ensure any openings or gaps are less than 6 inches wide.
Trim overgrown vegetation around fence lines to reduce hiding spots. Coyotes are more likely to avoid yards that have limited cover. Tighten trash can lids and eliminate other food sources, like fallen fruit or exposed compost piles that might attract coyotes.
Keeping yards clear of brush piles and woodpiles eliminates denning sites.
It’s also important not to intentionally feed coyotes. Intentionally providing food encourages coyotes to approach residential properties. Feeding coyotes is illegal in many states. Reduce food sources from pet bowls, bird feeders, or other inadvertent access.
Taking preventative measures can effectively minimize risks to outdoor cats and small dogs. Staying alert to coyote presence and activity in the area is also key to keeping pets safe.
Signs of Coyote Activity in Your Area
Look for tracks and scat
Coyotes leave behind obvious signs of their presence that any observant homeowner can spot. Keep an eye out for coyote tracks, which consist of four toes and noticeable claw marks. Coyote scat is rope-like with a variety of contents like fur, seeds, and bones.
Finding tracks and scat in your yard or surrounding open spaces like parks is a clear giveaway that coyotes are passing through and scavenging near your home.
Listen for howling and yipping
The distinctive howls, yips, and barks of coyotes carry far and can be heard at night. Coyotes howl and yip to communicate with each other and establish territory. If you hear them routinely, it likely means a group has made your area part of their home range.
Howling and yipping may increase in the spring and fall due to mating/pup season. But frequent vocalizations year-round indicate their consistent presence.
Watch for bold daytime appearances
While coyotes tend to be most active at night, healthy coyotes generally avoid humans during the day. Daytime appearances near homes often mean the coyotes have become habituated and comfortable around human habitats.
Seeing coyotes frequently during daylight hours, especially if their behavior is bold and not fearful, means they consider the area part of their territory. This loss of wariness is a troubling sign that requires preventive hazing or removal measures.
Conclusion
Coyotes can pose a risk to outdoor and free-roaming cats, especially during their breeding season when they are more aggressive at hunting. By understanding coyote behavior patterns, deterring them from your yard, and keeping cats safe indoors or supervised outside, you can minimize the threat coyotes pose.
Stay vigilant of signs of coyote activity in your neighborhood and take steps to protect your feline friends.
