A feral cat is a domestic cat (Felis catus) that lives outdoors and largely avoids human contact, often remaining hidden. These self-sufficient animals have reverted to a wild state, adapting to life without direct human care. While feral cats are predators, they also serve as prey for larger animals. They exist in various environments, from urban to rural, exposing them to a range of predators.
Primary Mammalian Predators
Coyotes are significant predators of feral cats across North America. They are opportunistic hunters and have adapted to various environments, including urban and suburban areas, bringing them into frequent contact with free-roaming cats. Studies indicate that cats can constitute a notable portion of a coyote’s diet. Coyotes will pursue cats as an easy meal.
Bobcats also prey on feral cats. These skilled hunters are highly effective at ambushing their prey. Bobcats are known to hunt small to medium-sized mammals, including cats, as part of their natural diet. Like coyotes, bobcats are territorial and will prey on cats within their hunting grounds.
Other larger carnivores, such as wolves and cougars, are capable of preying on feral cats, though less common due to their restricted ranges and species avoidance. Wolves primarily inhabit wilderness areas, reducing overlap with cat populations. Cougars generally target larger prey.
Avian Predators
Large birds of prey, particularly great horned owls, eagles, and larger hawks, are known to prey on feral cats. Great horned owls are formidable nocturnal hunters, able to carry prey up to four times their own weight. Given that an adult great horned owl typically weighs 2-3 pounds, they are capable of lifting animals weighing 8-9 pounds, making even adult feral cats potential prey. These owls often target cats that are outdoors at night.
Eagles, including bald and golden eagles, also pose a threat to feral cats. While fish are a primary food source for many eagles, they are opportunistic and will take mammals, including cats, if the opportunity arises. Large hawks, such as red-tailed hawks, also hunt small mammals and can prey on smaller or younger feral cats. These raptors use their keen eyesight and powerful talons to strike from above, often catching cats unaware.
Other Natural Predators
Other opportunistic predators may target feral cats, especially kittens or vulnerable adults. Foxes, while generally preferring smaller prey like rodents and rabbits, may attack a cat if the opportunity arises, particularly if the cat is sick, injured, or very young. Encounters between foxes and cats often result in avoidance, but competition over food or territory can lead to conflict.
Raccoons are primarily scavengers, but they are opportunistic omnivores and can prey on kittens. While adult cats are usually agile enough to avoid raccoons, very young or incapacitated cats are at higher risk. In some specific non-native environments, large constrictor snakes like pythons have been documented consuming cats. These instances are rare and typically occur in regions where such large reptiles coexist with feral cat populations. These less frequent predators generally pose a threat under specific circumstances, often when a cat is particularly vulnerable.