Fox Threat to Outdoor Cats in Rural New York

Question: Fox chasing 14-lb cat at dawn; smaller fox near shed by day. Upstate NY. Cats are hunters. Danger level? Must foxes be killed?

Answer: Cats Are Prey, Not Equals

• Grave danger: Foxes/coyotes prey on cats
• 14 lbs offers no protection
• Killing foxes = temporary; new ones recolonize quickly
• You may not know they're back until too late

Real Solutions

1. Keep cats indoors – birds benefit; cats live longer
2. Predator-proof fence – 6+ ft, angled top, buried apron (see icwdm.org)

No Magic Repellents

Ultrasonic, chemical, or scent deterrents do not work on foxes.