Discussions »Activities

A fox on my patio!

CatHerder on Activities - Tue, July 01 2008

As some people know, I try to help make feral cat's lives less miserable... I don't like to put food out when it's dark (attracts unwanted critters), but I will when one of my 'regulars' is sitting and waiting on my back deck. Then I keep an eye out to make sure a raccoon or opossum doesn't get into the food (I bring whatever is left back inside when I leave for work).

Yesterday I had to chase a 'coon away... who scratched at the window a bit as it was annoyed that I took away the easy meal.

Today I heard some rattling around outside as I was brushing my teeth. Expecting the raccoon had returned, I went downstairs to shoo away the varmit. But it wasn't the coon! It was a red fox! The feral cat was sitting right nearby it, both were ignoring each other as the fox ate. Interesting enough, the fox and cat (large male) were about the same size, so I doubt the cat felt threatened... at least he didn't act like he cared at all.

Never thought I'd see a fox at my place... thought it was a bit urban for them.

Debbie on Jul 01 at 09:45 AM

That would be a surprise! We have a couple of foxes in our neighborhood and they are soo cute! One was out at dusk playing/eating the lightening bugs. I could have watched him all evening.

Do foxes attack cats in general? They are both pretty equal in size so I was just wondering. Maybe you'll become known in the fox world as the "food lady"!

Kris on Jul 01 at 09:51 AM

Wow! It's Marlin Perkin's Wild Kingdom!!! I didn't know foxes were as small as cats. For some reason, I always think they're the size of coyotes.

Judi on Jul 01 at 10:29 AM

Kris said:

Wow! It's Marlin Perkin's Wild Kingdom!!! I didn't know foxes were as small as cats. For some reason, I always think they're the size of coyotes.

I love Marlin Perkins! Used to watch Wild Kingdom all the time when I was a kid.

CatHerder on Jul 01 at 10:38 AM

Kris said:

Wow! It's Marlin Perkin's Wild Kingdom!!! I didn't know foxes were as small as cats. For some reason, I always think they're the size of coyotes.

While foxes aren't real big in general, they are typically larger than cats. The cat in question is a fairly large male (12-13lbs, no fat).

Cats aren't typically prey for a fox, they go after smaller things... like rats/mice, maybe a kitten. But a full grown cat is a bit bigger than they like.

Lady Penelope on Jul 01 at 11:57 AM

Varmints! We got them thar foxes out here, too! I see coyotes all the time, they cross our yard to get to the field. Folks see them more and more in urban areas cause we keep defiling their habitation. Doggone humans.

Brumley on Jul 01 at 12:26 PM

I chase off the fox in my area. They've been in our yards for years.

Mama Muttblood^..^ on Jul 01 at 03:30 PM

Very cool! Although not good for the fox if he felt that comfortable being close to you. Foxes and cats will only tangle if they are hungry and competing for the same food source.

CatHerder on Jul 01 at 04:25 PM

Mama Muttblood^..^ said:

Very cool! Although not good for the fox if he felt that comfortable being close to you. Foxes and cats will only tangle if they are hungry and competing for the same food source.

The fox took off as soon as I peeked out through the blinds. It definitely didn't want a confrontation!

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