Do Bobcats Eat Cats?

Disclaimer: The information presented below is for general informational & educational purposes only. Always consult with animal professionals in case of specific concerns.

We all know that bobcats are predators and like to eat small animals.

But do they also eat cats?

Some people seem to think so, but is there any real evidence that this is true?

In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the evidence for and against bobcats eating cats.

Stay tuned.

Do Bobcats Eat Cats?

The answer is yes, bobcats do eat cats.

Bobcats are natural predators and will eat every small animals they come across, including cats.

However, bobcats typically don’t prey on domesticated cats, as they are not typically found in the same areas.

Instead, bobcats will prey on feral cats, which are wild and unowned cats that live outside.

While it is natural for bobcats to prey on small animals, including cats, it is also important to note that they typically only do so when other food sources are scarce.

Bobcats are usually quite adept at hunting other small animals such as rabbits and squirrels.

This means that the risk of your cat becoming prey to a bobcat is quite low, as long as you keep your cat indoors.

So, do bobcats eat cats? The answer is yes, but the risk of your cat becoming prey is relatively low.

Bobcats are skilled hunters and will feed on a variety of small animals, including cats, when other food sources are scarce.

Are Bobcats Obligate Carnivores?

Yes, all bobcats are referred to as obligate carnivores, which means that they require animal flesh to survive.

Their digestive system is not able to extract nutrients from plant material, so they must eat meat to obtain the proteins, lipids, minerals, and vitamins they need to live.

This diet requirement has likely led to the bobcat’s success as a predator; by specializing in hunting and eating prey animals, they have minimized competition with other predators.

Interestingly, while all bobcats are obligate carnivores, there is some variation in their diet depending on where they live.

In North America, for example, bobcats typically prey on small mammals such as rabbits, squirrels, and mice.

But in South America, where the climate is warmer and there is more vegetation, bobcats eat a higher percentage of birds and reptiles.

This dietary flexibility has helped the bobcat to spread into a larger range of habitats than other obligate carnivores.

How Do I Protect My Cat From Bobcats?

Bobcats are a common predator of cats in the wild.

Here are six ways to help protect your cat from bobcats:

  • Keep your cat inside at all times.
  • This is the best way to protect your cat from any type of predator.
  • If you must let your cat outside, always keep her supervised.
  • Never leave your cat unsupervised, even in your backyard.
  • Install a fence around your yard that is at least six feet high, as bobcats can climb over fences.
  • Make sure it is also tight against the ground.
  • Have a sturdy roof on your house and garage to prevent bobcats from entering.
  • Use a motion-activated sprinkler system to deter bobcats from entering your yard.
  • Install a cat door that only your cat can use, and make sure it is always closed when she is outside.

What Attracts A Bobcat To Where My Pets Are?

do bobcats eat cats

So, what attracts a bobcat to where my pets are and my backyard? Believe it or not, there are a few things that could be attracting the bobcat to your backyard.

One of those things is likely the availability of food.

If you have a pet like a small dog or cat, and you’re not keeping them indoors, then there’s a good chance that the bobcat is seeing them as an easy meal.

Additionally, if you have any outdoor animals like chickens or rabbits, they may also be attracting the bobcat.

Bobcats are opportunistic hunters, so they’ll take advantage of any prey that’s available to them.

Another thing that could be attracting the bobcat to your backyard is shelter.

If your backyard has a lot of dense vegetation or trees, it could be providing the bobcat with some much-needed shelter from the elements.

This is particularly important in cold climates, where a bobcat may be looking for a place to rest and stay warm during the winter months.

How Can I Tell A Bobcat From A Cat?

There are a few key ways to tell the differences between bobcats and cats.

The easiest way is to look at their tails.

Bobcats have shorter, black-tipped tails, while cats have long, fluffy tails.

Another way to tell them apart is by their size; bobcat’s sizes are usually about double a normal home cat.

Finally, you can look at their ears; bobcat ears are taller and more pointed than cat ears.

Despite these differences, it can be difficult to tell bobcats and cats apart in the wild.

If you’re not sure what species you’re looking at, it’s best to stay away and let the animal be.

Remember that bobcats are wild animals and should never be approached or handled improperly.

Conclusion

The answer to the question of whether bobcats eat cats is yes, they do.

Bobcats are natural predators and will prey on any animal that is smaller than them, including domestic cats.

While bobcats usually avoid humans, there have been cases of bobcats attacking people, so it is important to be aware of their presence and take precautions to protect your pet cat from being attacked by a bobcat.