Get ready for an emotional video. This heart-stopping footage shows a life-and-death struggle when a coyote attacks a cat. It’s been getting a lot of attention, with almost 1 million views since posting. Even if you’re not the kind of person who usually coos over cats, you’ll find yourself sitting on the edge of your seat. With each close call, you can practically feel the cat’s heart racing.
At one point, the poor cat tries hiding under a chair on the deck and also attempts to climb the porch’s fence two times. But both times, the coyote knocks it down. Still, every time the coyote advances, the cat employs quick thinking and strategic moves to escape certain death. It’s a clear reminder of the primal instincts that kick in when survival is on the line.
Coyotes in Texas
Texas is dealing with a rise in coyote populations, especially prairie coyotes.
©Warren Metcalf/Shutterstock.com
As Austin’s population continues to grow, interactions with wildlife, including coyotes, have increased. Caught on a home surveillance camera, the cat vs. coyote encounter unfolds on a back porch in Surfside Beach, about 65 miles to the south of Houston.
Coyote populations are on the rise throughout Texas. You can find them in almost every county, with the dominant type being the prairie coyote. These coyotes are about the size of German Shepherds and are easily identified by their bushy tail, long legs, and alert ears.
As carnivores, coyotes are equipped for hunting with great eyesight and a strong sense of smell. They can also run up to 40 mph. They’re most active at dawn and dusk, which is why this video takes place during early morning.
Keep Pets Safe
How can you keep your pets safe from coyote attacks? Reduce or eliminate potential food and water sources and haze coyotes when necessary. Hazing means making the coyote uncomfortable when it’s around your house, and you can do this without hurting it. Making eye contact, yelling, waving arms, using noisemakers, and spraying with water are a few examples of hazing.
What if the Cat Had Been Declawed?
If the cat had been declawed the coyote may have won the fight.
©Nils Jacobi/Shutterstock.com
The video at the bottom of this page fuels discussions about declawing cats, a hot-button topic in the pet world. Observant viewers note that the cat’s natural weapons —its sharp claws—played a big role in saving its life. It’s a persuasive argument against declawing. If this had been a declawed cat, this video probably wouldn’t have a happy ending.
Another lesson viewers commented on is the importance of keeping our feline friends safe indoors. And after this coyote encounter, this kitty probably wants to be an indoor cat, more than anything else.
Coyote Attacks Cat: Watch the Footage Below
It’s not easy to watch when the coyote attacks the tabby. The cat’s desperation will tug at your heart. Even the end is a bit emotional when you see how scared the cat looks, even after the coyote leaves. So, before you click play, take a deep breath and remind yourself that the cat does escape.
Even the cutest pets have wild survivor instincts, see for yourself in the video below.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © Mircea Costina/Shutterstock.com
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