Cats and birds have a long and complicated history together. While some bird species get along fine with cats, others see felines as a threat and will aggressively defend their territory, eggs, or young against cats. This is especially true for larger bird species that view house cats as potential predators. So what kinds of birds are most likely to go on the offensive and attack cats?
Birds Most Likely to Attack Cats
Here are some of the bird species most likely to swoop, dive bomb, or chase cats:
- Crows – Crows are very intelligent, social birds that mob potential threats in large groups. They have good memories and may harass individual cats that enter their territory.
- Blue Jays – Another corvid species, blue jays are aggressive and territorial. They may chase cats out of their claimed areas.
- Mockingbirds – Known for fearlessly defending their nests, mockingbirds will attack cats and other animals that get too close.
- Robins – While generally mellow, robins can become very aggressive in defending their nests and fledglings.
- Song Sparrows – Small but fierce, song sparrows will dive bomb and peck cats that encroach on their nesting areas.
- Blackbirds – Including grackles and cowbirds, blackbirds will mob cats in large noisy groups.
- Owls – Large owl species like the great horned owl will attack pets and humans that get too close to their nest. Their powerful talons can cause injuries.
- Hawks – Hawks are predators and will chase cats away from their nests. Some larger hawks may even see cats as prey.
- Geese – Highly territorial, nesting geese can deliver painful bites and whacks with their wings when defending their goslings.
- Swans – Bigger than geese and also very territorial, a swan can do some real damage if it attacks.
In general, birds are most aggressive against cats during nesting season when they feel the need to protect eggs or young from any potential threat. Cats that frequent the same outdoor areas year after year may be singled out for harassment by local birds. But any unwary cat could be dive bombed or chased by an angry mama bird defending her turf.
Why Birds Attack Cats
Birds attack cats for a few key reasons:
- Territorial defense – Birds will chase away any animal encroaching on their claimed territory during nesting season. To birds, cats are just another intruder that needs to leave the area.
- Protecting eggs and young – Parent birds will fearlessly attack cats and other animals that get too close to their nest in order to protect their vulnerable eggs and nestlings.
- Predator aversion – Some bird species recognize cats as predators and will mob them in groups or see them as a threat to eggs and chicks. The birds are just trying to chase the “predator” away.
- Opportunistic aggression – Some highly aggressive bird species like crows and jays will pick fights with cats even outside of nesting season when given the opportunity.
Birds usually don’t seek out conflict intentionally but are just responding instinctively to what they see as a threat. The cat itself often has no ill intent, but the birds don’t know that. They only see what looks like a dangerous intruder within attack range of their nest.
How Birds Attack Cats
Birds have a variety of tactics they use to chase cats away from their territory:
- Diving – Birds will swoop down at cats from above, often targeting the head and eyes. This can scare the cat away and may cause injuries.
- Chasing – Some birds will chase cats on foot, flying behind or next to the fleeing cat. Mockingbirds are persistent chasers.
- Mobbing – Flocking birds like crows will gather in large noisy groups and follow or surround the cat from all sides.
- Pecking – Birds will use their beaks to peck aggressively at cats, aiming for the head and ears.
- Clawing – Hawks, owls, and other raptors will latch onto a cat with their talons to drive it away or do damage.
- Wing buffeting – Geese and swans will aggressively flap their large wings at cats.
These attacks can range from scary annoyance to potentially dangerous depending on the size and disposition of the bird. Large raptors like owls can leave deep talon wounds. Geese and swans are capable of knocking over a small cat or child with the force of their wings.
Bird | Attack Method | Risk Level |
---|---|---|
Crow | Diving, mobbing | Moderate |
Blue jay | Diving, chasing, pecking | Moderate |
Mockingbird | Diving, chasing, pecking | Moderate |
Robin | Diving, chasing, pecking | Low |
Song sparrow | Diving, pecking | Low |
Owl | Diving, clawing | High |
Hawk | Diving, clawing | High |
Goose | Chasing, pecking, wing buffeting | Moderate |
Swan | Chasing, pecking, wing buffeting | High |
Avoiding Bird Attacks on Cats
Here are some tips for preventing bird attacks on outdoor cats:
- Keep cats indoors, especially during nesting season.
- Supervise outdoor cats to deter them from hunting birds.
- Put bells on cats’ collars to warn birds of their presence.
- Use deterrents like shiny pinwheels near bird feeders and nests.
- Block access to areas frequented by territorial birds.
- Keep pet cats out of unfamiliar neighborhoods.
- Feed birds away from your house to avoid luring them close.
If your cat does get attacked, comfort them when they return home. Check for any wounds and call your vet for advice if necessary. Avoid the area where the attack happened for a few weeks if possible.
Dealing With Birds That Attack Cats
If a particular bird is repeatedly attacking your cat in your yard, you have a few options:
- Scare or gently spray the bird with a hose when it swoops.
- Securely cover bird feeders and baths to block access.
- Remove bird nests, roosts, or food sources from your yard.
- Use harmless ultrasonic deterrents that upset birds.
- Apply reflective tape or owl decoys to deter birds.
- Block the bird’s flight path with netting or plant hedges.
- Wait it out, as attacks typically stop after nesting season ends.
- Consult wildlife officials or organizations for humane guidance.
Avoid harming the birds if at all possible. Relocating nests or eggs, using poisons, or capturing birds would be illegal and unethical. The attacking birds are simply following their natural instincts to protect territory and offspring from perceived danger.
Preventing Future Bird Attacks
To discourage bird attacks in the long term, make your yard less attractive to territorial species:
- Remove bird feeders, baths, nesting spots, and hiding places.
- Cut back dense bushes and vegetation that birds prefer.
- Install bird deterrents like predator decoys or flashing lights.
- Cover fruit trees, gardens, and fish ponds that attract birds.
- Set up visual barriers like trellis screens around patios or play areas.
- Place reflective ribbons or streamers on trees and fences.
- Keep pet food indoors so it doesn’t lure in birds.
- Fill gaps in roof vents, rafters, and other structures where birds nest.
Making your property less bird-friendly will encourage nesting pairs to move on in future seasons. Birds often return to the same spots year after year if not deterred.
Conclusion
Birds attacking cats can be a scary nuisance but it’s usually temporary, ending when the chicks fledge. While intimidating, birds are simply acting on instinct to protect their offspring. By taking precautions and preventing tempting nesting spots, you can avoid most bird altercations and coexist peacefully with your avian neighbors.