Foxes do sometimes eat cats, but it is quite rare and not typical behavior. Foxes usually prey on rodents and small mammals, and they generally avoid healthy adult cats because cats can defend themselves well. Foxes may attack or eat kittens, elderly, sick, or injured cats since these are easier targets. They may also scavenge on dead cats, such as roadkill or buried cats not deeply covered in gardens. Most encounters between foxes and cats end with one fleeing instead of a fight. Foxes tend to be opportunistic and avoid unnecessary risks from fighting with cats, which are strong defenders with sharp claws and teeth. In summary:
- Foxes rarely attack or eat healthy adult cats.
- Kittens, old, or sick cats are more vulnerable.
- Foxes scavenge more often than hunt cats.
- Most fox-cat encounters result in avoidance or fleeing.
- Foxes may act aggressively if protecting cubs or if starving.
This co-existence is common in urban areas where both species frequently cross paths.
