Attacks on cats by hawks are extremely uncommon, but physically possible under specific, limited circumstances. The threat level depends largely on the cat’s size, as only a kitten or a very small, frail adult cat is a realistic target for a daytime raptor. These incidents are isolated and not representative of the typical hunting behavior of most hawk species.
Understanding Raptor Size and Prey Limits
The physical constraints of flight impose strict limits on the weight a hawk can carry, which primarily limits attacks on domestic cats. The largest North American hawk, the Red-tailed Hawk, typically weighs only between two and four pounds. Hawks generally cannot take flight with prey exceeding their own body weight, and studies suggest they usually carry less than half of their own mass.
A large female Red-tailed Hawk, weighing nearly four pounds, can typically carry away prey weighing only one to two pounds. Under optimal conditions, the absolute maximum lift capacity for the largest hawks is around five pounds. This is why even a small, healthy adult cat, which commonly weighs between eight and twelve pounds, is simply too heavy to be lifted or flown away. Raptor talons are designed to kill by crushing the spine of prey, but this power does not translate into the ability to carry a heavy load.
Why Attacks on Adult Cats are Rare
Diurnal raptors, such as the Red-tailed Hawk and Northern Goshawk, prefer to hunt small, predictable prey like rodents, rabbits, and other birds. The average prey weight for a Goshawk is typically less than two pounds (215 to 770 grams). Targeting an adult cat presents a high-risk scenario for a hawk, as the cat’s claws and teeth are defenses that could inflict a debilitating injury. Raptors prioritize safety and efficiency, making a struggle with a feisty, multi-pound predator undesirable.
Attacks on domestic pets are often mistakenly attributed to hawks when the true culprit is a large, nocturnal owl. The Great Horned Owl is a more serious threat because it is significantly stronger than most hawks and hunts at night, when cats are often active and less supervised. Although this owl only weighs about three to five pounds, its powerful talons can kill prey up to eight or nine pounds, such as skunks and large rabbits. While an owl cannot fly away with an adult cat, it is capable of killing a small or medium-sized cat on the ground and then dragging the remains to a perch for consumption.
Safety Measures for Outdoor Cats
The most effective measure for owners concerned about raptor attacks is keeping cats indoors to eliminate the opportunity for an encounter. This strategy protects the cat from birds of prey, vehicles, disease, and terrestrial predators like coyotes. For owners who wish to provide outdoor access, supervision is the most reliable deterrent, as raptors are wary of humans.
Outdoor time should be limited to daylight hours and always supervised, especially for kittens or small adult cats weighing less than ten pounds. Avoid feeding pets outdoors, as leftover food attracts rodents and other small prey, which draws raptors to the area. Installing a “Catio,” a fully enclosed, secure outdoor enclosure, provides a safe environment free from overhead attacks. Owners can also make their yard less appealing by removing bird feeders, which encourage raptors to hunt nearby.