Last Updated on May 8, 2025 by Cat Mad
Foxes rarely attack cats. Healthy adult cats are typically too large and assertive to be targeted. However, kittens, elderly, or injured cats may be vulnerable. Foxes are scavengers, not predators of cats, and most encounters end without conflict.
Let’s separate fact from fear and make sure your cat stays safe.
In This Article:
Are Foxes a Threat to Cats?
Foxes might look menacing, but in reality, they’re more interested in rummaging through your bins than tangling with a confident tabby. While attacks can happen, they’re the exception, not the rule.
How Likely Is a Fox to Attack a Cat?
Here’s when a fox might pose a risk:
| Scenario | Risk Level | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Adult, healthy cat | Very low | Foxes avoid confrontation. |
| Kittens | Moderate | Small size makes them vulnerable. |
| Elderly or ill cats | Moderate | Less able to defend themselves. |
| Food disputes | Low | Foxes might approach shared food, but rarely fight for it. |
| Territorial conflict | Low | May act defensively near dens. |
Do Foxes Eat Cats?
Not intentionally. Foxes are scavengers by nature. If a cat is already dead, a fox may scavenge. This behaviour fuels myths that foxes hunt cats.
How to Protect Your Cat from Foxes
While foxes don’t typically attack cats, taking precautions is still wise, especially for vulnerable pets.
1. Keep Cats Indoors at Night
Foxes are most active at dawn and dusk. Keeping your cat indoors during these hours reduces the chances of an encounter.
2. Secure Your Garden
Install high fences (at least 6 feet) and add an overhang to prevent foxes from climbing.
Consider a catio (a secure outdoor enclosure) for safe outdoor time.
3. Remove Food Sources
Never leave pet food outside overnight.
Secure bins with tight-fitting lids to stop foxes from scavenging.
4. Use Fox Deterrents
Motion-activated sprinklers startle foxes without harming them.
Scent-based repellents (like Scoot Fox Repellent) can keep foxes away safely.
Ultrasonic deterrents emit sounds that foxes dislike, reducing visits.
5. Supervise Vulnerable Cats
If your cat is a kitten, elderly, or unwell, keep a close eye on them outdoors, or supervise their playtime.
Signs of Fox Activity in Your Garden
Wondering if a fox is visiting your garden at night? Look for these signs:
✔ Fox droppings – Dark, twisted, and often filled with fur or berries.
✔ Digging – Foxes may dig up gardens searching for food.
✔ Strong musky smell – Fox scent marking is common in territories.
✔ Screeching sounds at night – Foxes communicate with loud screams.
✔ Paw prints – Fox prints are smaller than a dog’s, with a pointed shape.
If you notice these signs, consider using fox deterrents to discourage visits.
Why Do Foxes Scream at Cats?
Foxes scream for various reasons:
- Territorial warnings
- Mating season calls (esp. Jan–Feb)
- Surprise or defence when startled
More bark than bite – literally.
What to Do If Your Cat Encounters a Fox
If your cat has a run-in with a fox, here’s what to do:
1. Check for Injuries
Most encounters end in mutual avoidance, but check for scratches or bites.
If your cat is hurt, take them to a vet – fox bites can carry bacteria.
2. Look for Signs of Distress
A frightened cat may hide for hours after an encounter.
Give them space and monitor their behaviour for signs of anxiety.
3. Prevent Future Encounters
Secure your garden and remove food sources.
Use deterrents to keep foxes away from your property.
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know
Can a Fox Kill a Cat?
It’s extremely unlikely for a healthy adult cat to be killed by a fox.
Do Foxes Eat House Cats?
No, foxes do not actively hunt cats. However, they may scavenge if a cat is already deceased.
Would a Fox Attack a Cat Over Food?
Foxes may challenge a cat over food left outside, but they usually back down if confronted.
Can Foxes Hurt Cats?
In a rare fight, a fox could injure a cat, but foxes prefer to avoid conflict.
Will a Fox Attack a Kitten?
Yes, a kitten is vulnerable to a fox attack. Always supervise kittens outdoors.
Do Foxes Carry Diseases That Can Affect Cats?
Foxes can carry fleas, ticks, and mange, but direct transmission to cats is rare.
CatMad’s Take: Should You Be Worried?
Let’s be honest: foxes aren’t the biggest danger to your cat. Traffic, other cats, and illness rank far higher. That said, if your cat is very young or frail, taking precautions is wise.
CatMad Tip: Urban foxes are a fixture in UK wildlife. Learn to live alongside them safely, your cat will thank you for it.