do coyotes eat cats

Coyotes do eat cats, but the frequency and likelihood vary widely depending on the environment. Studies show that in most urban areas, cats comprise a small percentage (usually 1-5%) of coyote diets. However, in some highly urbanized or particular regions like parts of Los Angeles, cats have been found to make up a higher portion of coyote diets, sometimes around 20% or more. Coyotes typically eat small mammals like rabbits and rodents and will opportunistically prey on free-roaming or feral cats. Pet cats that roam outside are at some risk, especially in areas where coyotes are prevalent, but many coyotes rely more on other food sources such as garbage and fruit in urban settings. Overall, coyotes do eat cats if the opportunity arises, but it is not their primary food source in most environments. Keeping cats indoors or supervising outdoor time at night is recommended to protect pets from coyote predation.