Is your pet potential coyote bait? Spring is whelping time for coyotes. Hunting is stepped up then and on into summer. All of us have heard the wild yipping of a pack of coyotes that has just made a kill. Our hearts stop for a moment if the sounds are near and the cat is outside. Better to be safe than sorry in the morning.

Any small animal that is outside at night is at risk from predators. Pets are often snatched from porches and backyards, even fenced in ones. It is not only coyotes that hunt them, but owls as well.

The darker the cat, the safer it is. White or light-colored animals should never be outside at night, as they are beacons to those looking for an easy meal. Never, under any circumstances, let kittens outside after dark; they are young, stupid and easy marks.

Some cats insist on being outside. It is, in fact, their natural habitat, so we give in to them as they yowl and cajole by the back door to be let out. If you simply cannot keep your pet inside when darkness falls, a few simple precautions will help make its nightly sojourns safer.

Never leave food and water outside, especially at night. They are open invitations for all sorts of creatures to visit your back porch.

Do not be lulled into complacency if you see a single coyote, for it is most likely a scout. My friend and neighbor recently reported seeing one several times recently as she rode her horses. A few days later in broad daylight, she observed three within a stone’s throw of her barn. I cautioned that they were counting her cats for the evening hunt, and she has stepped up her diligence.

For months, another friend on the outskirts of Santa Barbara observed coyotes “playing” with her dog through the fence. She insisted that they were friendly, and ignored my warnings. It took a near miss before she accepted the fact that they really just wanted to eat her pet.

Be sure that your animal has a safe place to hide, should the need arise. A small cat door leading into a garage or shed is ideal. “Small” is the operative word here, as larger ones invite skunks, raccoons, and similar creatures to follow. Once inside, there should be places for your cat to hide, preferably up high.

A cat’s frame collapses somewhat like a box, enabling it to fit through surprisingly small openings. I measure the entrance into my fenced cattery with my fist, which is about 3-1/4” wide. My larger cats can actually run through this gap. At present time, it is 8” high, but I could reduce that to 6” or less with no problem. If the animal can get its head through, the body will follow.

I wish your outdoor pets long lives.