Do foxes eat or attack cats, dogs or other pets? A typical adult cat is almost the same size as a fox and has a well-deserved reputation for self-defense, so foxes are generally uninterested in taking on cats. Kittens and very small (less than five pounds) adult cats, however, could be prey for a fox.
The Details. The short answer is no. It is, as we shall see, certainly not unknown for foxes to attack cats and, more rarely, dogs or people; but none of these incidents are likely.
Although it is rare, foxes will attack, kill and even eat cats if they feel threatened by them. However, it's also important to remember that cats are well equipped to protect themselves!
Dogs have more muscle and endurance than foxes. Dogs have the advantage of having more muscular bodies than foxes. While both are canines, dogs have superior bite strength. Stronger jaws, more muscle, and high endurance give dogs the advantage one-on-one.
Foxes will rarely attack or even interact with domestic cats and dogs. Foxes are also known to turn over garbage bins, dig holes in lawns and disturb the peace through their own vocalisations and by making dogs bark.
There are a few cases of foxes fighting with cats or dogs— occasionally leading to the death of one of the animals— but these cases occur exclusively when the fox gets cornered by the pet and lashes out in defense.
Do Foxes Attack Dogs or Cats? Fox attacks on dogs are rare because these animals try to evade conflict. However, they will defend themselves against a dog if cornered. Adult cats are usually safe, but a fox may hunt and prey on kittens.
Healthy adult cats can easily defend themselves against foxes. If a fox does ever go to attack a cat, the cat will make their fur stand on end and start hissing as a sign not to come any closer. Your cat has sharp claws and teeth. This means that it can fight its own corner if a fox comes in for an attack.
A typical adult cat is almost the same size as a fox and has a well-deserved reputation for self-defense, so foxes are generally uninterested in taking on cats. Kittens and very small (less than five pounds) adult cats, however, could be prey for a fox.
Young red foxes are primarily preyed upon by eagles and coyotes. Mature red foxes can be attacked by larger animals, including bears, wolves and mountain lions. Humans are the most significant predator of adult foxes, who are often hunted for fur or killed because they are considered pests.
Cats and foxes have sharp senses, including a strong sense of smell that is sensitive to intense scents. Tea bags have a strong smell that most cats and foxes dislike, making them an effective deterrent. Anna Hall suggested: “Scatter a few tea bags around your garden. The strong scent will keep them from coming back.”
Most of the time, a fox will run away and hide from a person. However if you are in a situation where a fox approaches you, try to stay calm, slowly back off, and don't make any sudden movements. Try to stand well away so the fox can see that it can get away and you aren't a threat to it.
Avoid leaving out any food source for foxes, and discourage foxes from coming into your garden using barriers such as fences or dense, prickly hedging. Keep your cats indoors at times when foxes are most likely to be around, such as dusk, night time and dawn.
You can use certain smells to deter foxes, they are reported to dislike the smell of chilli peppers and garlic so try infusing in boiling water and spraying around your garden as a fox repellent.
While there's a chance it was just passing through, you're likely to see foxes return time and time again if: There's a water source such as a pond, fountain, swimming pool, puddles or a pet's water bowl. There's a food source such as bins, pet food or you're feeding other wildlife such as birds or hedgehogs.
THE FOXES ARE NESTING IN AN AREA YOU FREQUENT
Foxes love to build their dens in sheds, wood piles and other outdoor structures. If you're noticing a lot of foxes in an area you frequent, such as in and around your shed, you'll want to get rid of the animals for the sake of convenience.
But, like any other dog, foxes will chase cats. Generally, though, when faced with the claws and teeth of a cat, foxes will back away, knowing they will probably suffer a serious injury in any fight. However, foxes will scavenge the remains of dead cats, but actual evidence of them killing cats is extremely rare.
They're Marking Their Territory
Male foxes scream to mark their territory and warn off potential competitors for mates. It's also a tool they use to scare off predators and protect their young.
Foxes are also excellent jumpers and climbers. They can jump a standard 900 mm fence; so many designs double this height (1800 mm) using more netting or various spacings of electric wires. However, this naturally increases the cost of the fence.
Scoot is humane and biodegradable so it doesn't harm your garden and won't be of concern to your cat. It's simply a powder you mix with water and is very fox-specific due to the nature of the smell.
Feeding these animals may cause them to venture closer to human habitations and enter properties through cat-flaps or open garden doors, although they are naturally timid creatures and try to avoid both adults and children. For this reason, it is not advisable to purposely put out food for them to eat.
If you see a fox outside during the day, it's no cause for alarm. It will likely run away if it sees you. If it doesn't, it has probably learned to associate people with food, likely because someone has fed it, and it may exhibit a boldness or even approach you. You should never feed, approach or chase foxes.
The strong scent from human male urine (and only male urine) masks a male fox's pungent scent, and can often force them out. But you can buy urea-based products that do the same job (and won't upset your cat). The best can be expensive, so ask at a garden centre, or seek advice from the National Fox Welfare Society.
A Fox Sighting May Mean Trickery is Afoot
Instead, some traditions, like those from the Quechua people, hold that foxes are a bad omen. To them, the creatures represent deceivers, thieves, and greedy people. The same negative connotation of the term “fox” is found in some Abrahamic religions, like Christianity.