Something is attacking my barn cats. What is this?

[S1969]

@fordtraktor

beowulf I didn’t think about a hawk. We have a couple big ones nesting here but they have never attacked before. Maybe they are hungry and getting bold. I think they would go for the bunnies first and we still have a decent amount of those but it is possible for sure.

I doubt it. My vote is still for another feral cat. There is little reason for any animal to seek out a cat as prey; and likely enough other food opportunities that they don’t have to fight over food (or at least, not more than once). I think it’s probably more likely a territory issue if it’s happened more than once.

[fordtraktor]

Well I didn’t catch anything but something tripped the trap and drug it about 10 feet. I am guessing that is the raccoon’s handiwork. I will try again tonight.

[CanadianTrotter]

@S1969

I doubt it. My vote is still for another feral cat. There is little reason for any animal to seek out a cat as prey; and likely enough other food opportunities that they don’t have to fight over food (or at least, not more than once). I think it’s probably more likely a territory issue if it’s happened more than once.

I highly doubt it as well. If it were a hawk there would be obvious evidence of talon marks and punctures. If a raccoon was the culprit the cat would have more than a bit of fur missing.

Also cats will fight continuously, whereas if it were a raccoon I doubt there would be a round #2.

You did say that both cats are showing signs of injury, my guess is that they’re fighting with each other and your raccoon is laying bets on the outcome for amusement.