Comments on: Do Coyotes Carry Cats Back to their Den?

By: 15 States Where Coyotes Roam Free—And How to Protect Your Home and Yard

15 States Where Coyotes Roam Free—And How to Protect Your Home and Yard — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 13:16:37 +0000

[…] © Lost Pet Research and Recovery […]

By: Wildartist

Wildartist — Sat, 27 Jul 2024 14:16:30 +0000

I absolutely love this post and subsequent comments and questions, very insightful and informative (especially with the obvious knowledge and/or research behind it).
My rural property is in the high desert of Southeastern Colorado, though I’ve lived in several areas of the state, this is unlike anything I’ve seen in regards to coyotes.
With incredible sadness I report the loss of two of the best cats I’ve ever known within a week last month (June), one of which was definitely coyote killed and the other was caused by the neighbor dogs and then possibly a coyote. Just a few days ago, the mother/daughter barn cats and recent queens to two simultaneous litters disappeared and left still nursing kittens traumatized; presumably coyotes the way they now look in a particular direction.
Dare I say that this is the 20th year of living here and the first for them to kill in such close proximity to the house, though it was once their nightly routine to trot through.
As crazy as it sounds, I’m inclined to believe it’s retribution because a former visitor brought a dead coyote and then a dead fox to my place and left them here to rot; something I have never allowed or done before- never within sight of the house, let alone near the trash pit. As an animal behaviorist, it sounds nonsensical but I think it’s correct; there’s an over abundance of prey here: prairie dogs, rodents and rabbits to name a few. So why now that we’ve had great weather this year and even the hawks are fat?
There’s still some things I don’t understand and short of writing a book here, it would be great if you would contact me and maybe put our heads together on a few different things I’ve discovered. I believe my experiences with coyotes will intrigue you. Please consider contacting me, I would truly appreciate your help, knowledge and point of view.
Excellent article, I’ve read so many and all have been incredibly inconsistent and/or misleading and false.

By: Danielle Robertson

Danielle Robertson — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 19:40:21 +0000

In reply to John Hipp. One thing is certain, there are no absolutes in life. Just curious, did you see any evidence that the coyote was actually using this den? I would also love to see a photo if you are able. You can send to info @ lostpetresearch.com. Thanks!

By: John Hipp

John Hipp — Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:45:47 +0000

I just seen a coyote carrying a dead cat. I went to see where it went and found its den. I can tell you for sure that they do indeed carry cats to their dens.

By: Danielle

Danielle — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 21:01:35 +0000

In reply to Nicole. I'm so sorry to hear that your cat is missing. Yes, coyotes have two-tone fur on much of their body, and that does sound like a potential kill site. Unfortunately, it can be extremely difficult to find more remains than a bunch of fur. Sometimes coyotes will eat an entire cat. If they don't, they may bury the remains. There usually isn't much or any blood since they kill the cat (often very quickly) using methods that don't cause any bleeding. If you can find a lost pet tracking or remains detection dog in your area, they might be able to help, but even they don't find remains every time.

By: Nicole

Nicole — Sun, 03 Jul 2022 04:48:55 +0000

My cat went missing five days ago- the only thing I have found is a large area in a field that had his fur (like a ring). It looked like a fight for his life- there was one piece Of fur that had a pinky sized spot of blood but that’s it. There was one big clump of hair that looked wet and it was the dark part of fur on my cats neck/back. He was 18lbs and very fast and street smart- I did find one chunk of hair of the other animal where my cat may have bit a chunk out- it was white straight and dark brown at the end- do coyotes have two tone colored fur? I’ve been searching for my cats body so I can bring him home to cremate. I’ve read every where that says a coyote won’t eat a whole cat especially his size. I’ve had my dog track and he led me to scat with fur and to a empty river canal as well about half a mile away from the scene. I couldn’t see down in the canal due to all the weeds on the side. How can I find my cats body i’m desperate to bring him home- I don’t want whatever’s remaining of him just decaying in the middle of the field. Why isn’t there a bloody scene like you’d think there would be?

By: Danielle

Danielle — Fri, 22 Oct 2021 00:28:56 +0000

In reply to Megan S..

I’m so sorry to hear that your cat is missing. A large area of clumped fur is characteristic of a coyote attack. It is not uncommon to have no blood or other remains (or they can be so small that they are easily overlooked). Some other common coyote attack characteristics to look for are 1) the fur is pulled out in clumps often with the roots present, and 2) the fur may have dried saliva in it. This will look clear and shiny (almost like dish soap), but can be hard to find.

I have to admit that I have less knowledge of bobcat attacks. If they do remove the fur, it would probably look cut rather than pulled because that’s how wild cats eat with their molars. A bobcat would also be more likely to move their prey into cover and bury any remains. Though coyotes will sometimes bury remains also.

If there’s not too much fur, then it’s also possible that it was a cat fight. Be sure to do a thorough search within 500 feet of your home, especially under any porches, sheds, garages or barns. These are likely places that a cat might hide if injured.

By: Megan S.

Megan S. — Wed, 20 Oct 2021 03:43:58 +0000

I live in WA state, and my 18 lb orange tabby/maine coon mix cat got out of the house Saturday night. We searched for hours for Benny and finally found a bunch of his fur in my neighbor’s backyard. No other evidence was found despite extensive searching. Only fur in one location.

I heard coyotes active that night, but not in the same area. Our neighbor also saw a bobcat a couple nights before.

Do coyotes generally leave fur behind after a kill? Or does this sound more like a bobcat? I found what looks like it could be a bobcat den not far from the area and I’m wondering if I found a paw print.

Any insight you have would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

By: Sanam

Sanam — Sat, 07 Aug 2021 01:51:59 +0000

Thank you so much for your helpful information.

By: Tammy

Tammy — Sun, 03 Jan 2021 08:18:47 +0000

Familiar with coyotes as a kid growing up on farmland in Illinois.
Moved ro California & eventually in a development that was & still surrounded by cattle pasture. Coyotes were a common sound .
Many people didn’t listen about putting their animals up at night, bc a pack of coyotes were familiar sight/sound
They killed quite a few cats~pets~found mutilated on the golf course, found by the early golfers….
Some people in nearby area, have pics of coyotes carrying a cat back the way they came. Another had her chihuahua grabbed by a coyote while her adult son was walking it. He got it away from the coyote & a $600 some dollar surgery followed…
They hunt in packs. Have heard them lure a dog to them sounding like an injured pup..
The feral cats seemed smart enough to avoid run ins with them & often yelling at the coyotes was enough to send the entire pack running….
Put your animals & any food, safely inside at night …