Will a Possum Kill a Cat? Examining the Risk

If you have a cat and you find a possum in your yard, you may be worried about the possibility of a possum attack. So, will a possum kill a cat? While possums can be territorial, they are not likely to attack cats and are more likely to run away or play dead. Even though a possum may be able to hurt or kill a very small kitten, adult cats are generally able to defend themselves because they are larger and stronger.

Despite the fact that possums look scary with their growling and baring of teeth when they feel threatened, the studies we will explore below take an objective look at how often possums actually attack cats. We will explore the evidence of possum attacks, assess the defensive abilities of cats and possums, and offer advice on how to get rid of possums while keeping your cat safe.

Understanding the Risk: Reported Incidents of Possums Killing Cats

While possums killing cats is possible, it is also very unlikely. According to research cited by Wildlife Animal Control, possums are unlikely to attack cats or dogs because they are much larger. Instead, smaller pets like rodents are more likely to be targeted. That said, possums may attack if they feel threatened or are competing with other animals for food.

Reported incidents of possums killing cats are extremely rare. AA Animal Control explains that possums are much more likely to "play dead" than to fight a cat, and they will use this tactic to avoid confrontation. However, cats can sometimes provoke a possum to attack them by continuing to "play" with the possum after it has pretended to be dead.

Even though the likelihood of an attack is low, the potential consequences are high. Possums have 50 sharp teeth and sharp claws, which can cause serious injuries, as noted by AA Animal Control. In addition, possum bites can transmit diseases like bovine tuberculosis to pets, according to Wildlife Animal Control. As a result, even though possums are unlikely to kill cats, pet owners should still take steps to prevent dangerous interactions between the two animals.

Comparing Capabilities: Cats vs. Possums in a Showdown

The physical attributes and defensive behaviors of each animal are important factors in a potential showdown between a cat and a possum. Cats are larger, stronger, and more agile than possums, and they have the ability to pounce on their prey and quickly overpower them. In a study cited by Hello Sport, a cat's sharp teeth can release a bacteria that acts as a poison in a possum's bloodstream, leading to paralysis and eventual death.

That said, possums have some natural defenses that could give them the upper hand in certain situations. As Urban Jungle Wildlife Removal points out, possums are known to "play dead" or emit a foul odor when threatened, which can help them avoid predators. Furthermore, possums' smaller size may enable them to fit into spaces that a cat would be unable to, which could provide an escape route.

The age, health, and circumstances of the animals involved can also play a role in the outcome of a showdown. For example, a younger, smaller, or sicker cat may be more susceptible to a possum's defensive behaviors, while an outdoor cat may be better equipped to defend itself against a possum on its own turf. In general, cats have the advantage in terms of physical strength, but possums' natural defenses could help them hold their own in certain situations.

Keeping Your Cat Safe: How to Keep Possums Away

Based on information from Call McCauley, there are a number of ways to keep possums away from homes. One of the most important is to remove food sources. This includes making sure that pet food is stored inside or in airtight containers, that garbage is kept in cans with secure lids, and that fruit that has fallen from trees is picked up quickly. In addition, using certain scents can help deter possums, including ammonia, mothballs, vinegar, garlic, and peppermint.

Excel Pest Service suggests removing places where possums can live by keeping grass and other plants trimmed, cleaning up debris, and repairing any holes in outdoor structures. In addition, exclusion fencing that is at least 4 feet tall, has an overhang at the top, and extends 3-4 feet into the ground can be used to keep possums out of a yard.

If you're dealing with a serious infestation or if you've tried other methods and possums keep coming back, Protech Pest Control says that it's important to work with a professional wildlife removal service. These professionals can trap and relocate possums in a way that's safe for the animals, and they can also find and close the entry points that possums have been using. By making sure that you're using a multi-faceted approach to keeping possums away, you can help make sure that your cat stays safe.

Protecting Your Cat: How to Prevent and Deal With Possum Attacks

Although possum attacks on cats are very uncommon, it's still important for cat owners to know how to prevent and deal with potential attacks. According to Alley Cat Allies, the best way to prevent possums from coming into contact with your cat is to keep outdoor feeding areas clean and provide elevated shelters that only cats can use.

If an interaction does happen, it's important to know how to intervene safely. Forbes Home says that you should wear thick gloves when handling a live-trap possum and that you should slowly tip the trap to get the animal to leave. It's also important to get your cat to the vet right away because possum bites and scratches can transmit diseases like leptospirosis, tuberculosis, and toxoplasmosis that can be dangerous to cats.

To make sure your cat's outdoor space is safe, Southern Living recommends that you get rid of potential possum shelters like brush piles, firewood stacks, and rock formations. In addition, exclusion fencing that's buried a few inches below the ground can help keep possums out of your yard and away from your cat.

Conclusion: Living With Possums and Keeping Your Cat Safe

Although possums may look scary, the truth is that they are unlikely to attack and kill cats. The number of confirmed cases of possums killing cats is very low, and possums are more likely to "play dead" or run away when confronted than to fight.

However, cat owners should still work to keep possums away from their homes and ensure that their cats are safe when they are outside. This means removing food sources, sealing off potential entry points, and using deterrents like motion-activated lights or sprinklers. If a cat does encounter an possum, the owner should make sure to separate the two animals and get the cat to a veterinarian if it is injured.

By learning about the relationship between possums and cats and following best practices for dealing with wildlife, cat owners can be sure that they are living in harmony with these interesting marsupials while also keeping their pets out of harm's way.