This Bold Backyard Cat Tries Stalking a Bald Eagle

Every once in a while, cats get in over their heads. Whether they knock something over, claw through furniture, or drag mud through the house, kitties wreak havoc without even trying. Domestic cats also manage to get into plenty of trouble when roaming around outside. This Instagram post by @abcnews shows a house cat attempting to stalk a bird that’s a tad out of its league: a bald eagle. Read here to learn more.

House Cat vs Bald Eagle

The humorous post above perfectly encapsulates the crazy confidence of a cat. A bald eagle rests on a dock by the water while a small grey house cat stalks up beside it. Though the eagle has clearly spotted the furry predator, the cat continues its stealthy approach. The bird of prey suddenly lunges at its stalker, sending the cat fleeing in the opposite direction. The bald eagle then goes back to its relaxing by the water’s edge. While the notion of a small house cat preying on an eagle is quite funny, it raises an interesting question: what would happen if either animal were to actually hunt the other?

Both animals in the video are formidable in their own way. Bald eagles are extremely large and have powerful talons. House cats, while small, are extremely agile with quick reflexes, making them highly effective predators. Despite domestic cats’ reputation for being successful hunters, a feline would have a hard time catching a bald eagle. However, if positions were reversed, the large bird would have an easier time hunting the cat. Since bald eagles often hunt from the sky, they have the advantage of taking prey by surprise. Additionally, eagles swoop down with tremendous force and speed. Because of this, it’s important to keep an eye on your cat if you live in an area with bald eagles. Birds of prey are known to target small domestic pets for meals. Thankfully for the cat in the video above, the bald eagle simply wanted to be left alone.