Do Bobcats Eat Seeds? (Interesting Facts)

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

This question may seem like a simple one, but the answer is not so clear-cut.

Do bobcats eat seeds?

The answer to this question depends on the type of seed and the diet of the bobcat.

Some seeds are poisonous to bobcats, while others are a valuable source of nutrients.

Let’s take a closer look at what scientists have discovered about bobcat seed consumption.

Do Bobcats Eat Seeds?

Yes, bobcats do sometimes eat seeds.

And when eating seeds, they mostly consume those that are attached to fruits or vegetables.

Some types of seeds that bobcats eat are watermelon, cantaloupe, squash, and pumpkin.

Additionally, bobcats have also been known to eat acorns, hickory nuts, and beechnuts.

Seeds provide important nutrients for bobcats, such as proteins, essential fats, vitamins, and minerals.

However, the vast majority of the time, bobcats will eat meat.

Their diet consists mostly of small mammals, such as rabbits, rodents, and hares.

But they will also eat birds, reptiles, fish, and attack your chickens.

In fact, anything that they can catch and kill is fair game.

Bobcats are opportunistic hunters and will take whatever they can get.

So while seeds are not their primary food source, they will consume them if the opportunity arises.

Do Bobcats Like Berries?

Yes, they do.

Bobcats enjoy eating many different types of berries, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.

They are especially fond of ripe fruit, which is high in sugar and nutrients.

Bobcats will also eat the leaves and vines of some berry plants.

This helps them get the nutrients that they need.

What Time Of The Year Would Bobcats Consume Seeds The Most?

Bobcats would typically consume seeds more in the summer and fall months.

This is because these are the times of the year when fruits and vegetables are more plentiful.

And since many seeds are found in these types of foods, bobcats will take advantage of the opportunity to eat them.

However, they will also eat seeds at other times of the year if the opportunity arises.

Are There Any Poisonous Seed Types That Bobcats Would Avoid Eating?

do bobcats eat seeds

There are some poisonous seeds that bobcats would avoid eating.

One example is the poison ivy plant.

This plant contains a toxin called urushiol, which can cause severe allergic reactions in humans and animals.

Bobcats would definitely avoid eating any part of this plant, including the seeds.

Another poisonous seed that bobcats would avoid is the poison sumac plant.

This plant contains a substance called saponin, which is toxic to animals.

Bobcats would definitely avoid eating the seeds of this plant as well.

Do Bobcats Eat Sunflower Seeds?

Sunflower seeds are not typically part of a bobcat’s diet.

However, there have been some reports of bobcats and other types of cat can eat sunflower seeds.

It is not known why they would eat these seeds, as they do not provide any nutritional value.

Bobcats are more likely to eat sunflower seeds if they are available and there is nothing else to eat.

Do Young Bobcats Eat Seeds Too?

No, baby bobcats do not eat seeds.

Baby bobcats will typically eat their mother’s milk for the first few weeks of life.

After that, they will start to eat solid food.

This food will consist of small mammals, such as rodents and rabbits.

Baby bobcats will gradually start to hunt and kill their own prey as they get older.

How To Get Bobcats Away From Bird Seeds

If you have bobcats near your home, you may be wondering how to get them away from your bird feeders and bird seeds.

Here are some ways that you can keep bobcats away from your birds:

  1. Put up a fence: A fence can help to keep bobcats away from your birds, as it will block their access to the area. Make sure that the fence is at least 6 feet tall, and has no gaps or holes that the bobcats could squeeze through.
  2. Use repellents: There are several different repellents that you can use to deter bobcats from coming near your birds. These repellents often contain strong smells or tastes that the bobcats will find unpleasant, and will keep them away from the area.
  3. Keep your birds safe: One of the best ways to keep bobcats away from your birds is to make sure that they are safe and protected. Keep your bird feeders in a covered area, so that the bobcats can’t get to them, and make sure that your birds have a safe place to roost at night.
  4. Trap and remove the bobcats: If you have a problem with bobcats coming near your home, you may need to use bait to trap the bobcats and remove them. This is best done by a professional trapper, as they will know how to safely and humanely trap the bobcats.

Do Bobcats Eat Fruits?

I bet you’re wondering if bobcats eat fruit.

The answer is yes, but it’s not a common occurrence.

Bobcats are carnivores and typically eat small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

However, they will also consume fruits and vegetables if they are available.

One study found that 15% of the bobcat’s diet in California consisted of fruits and nuts.

Some of the most common fruits that bobcats eat include blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, figs, and grapes.

So while it’s not their primary food source, bobcats will chow down on some fruit if given the opportunity.

Conclusion

So, do bobcats eat seeds? Yes, but not all seeds.

They mostly consume seeds that are attached to fruits or vegetables.

And while they don’t eat seeds as their primary food source, they will consume them if the opportunity arises.

Bobcats enjoy eating many different types of berries, including blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries.