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Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) are incredibly strong birds and highly skilled flyers. They are sometimes accused of attacking dogs or cats before flying off with them in their talons, but are these real stories or urban legends? The truth is that an eagle would have a hard time catching and flying with a cat, and they are not their favorite prey, but technically, eagles can attack small cats and kittens.
Eagles primarily feed on fish, and experts estimate they can carry fish weighing approximately 3–4 pounds. An average domesticated cat weighs between 8 and 10 pounds, which puts them way beyond the carrying capacity of an eagle. In fact, by the time a kitten reaches approximately 4 months old, they will weigh about 4 or 5 pounds, so by the time your kitten leaves the house, they are likely to be too big for an eagle to carry off.
If you are concerned, you can keep your cat indoors, where it is safe from any natural predators, and you can take steps to try and scare away eagles and other birds of prey.
About the Bald Eagle
The bald eagle is a formidable bird. An adult has a wingspan of approximately 7 feet (2.1 meters) and can weigh up to 14 pounds (6.3 kilograms). The bird can fly at speeds of nearly 100 mph (160 kph) when diving, and its size and white head and tail make it difficult to miss when swooping down.
You are more likely to see a bald eagle swoop around water because its preferred food is fish. They also eat geese, gulls, and other smaller birds. Very rarely, they dine on rabbits and small mammals, and more rarely, if at all, they may pick up and fly away with a kitten.
Because of an adult cat’s weight, an eagle will not be able to pick it up and fly away. Most experts agree that the maximum amount of weight that even the strongest bald eagle could lift would be 3 to 4 pounds. An average adult cat weighs twice this, while some larger breeds can weigh three times as much.
How to Protect Your Cat From Eagles
There are some anecdotal reports of eagles attempting to attack kittens. If you are concerned about this happening, there are some ways that you can protect your cat. The simplest method is to keep your cat indoors. Eagles are diurnal raptors, which means they hunt during the day, so keeping your cat in at night will not keep them free from this winged threat.
Consider installing a pen, an exercise run, or a catio. They prevent your cat from getting out and predators from getting in while still providing outdoor space. They can be installed in your yard and connected to your home using a standard cat door so that your feline can get in and out whenever they want.
Other Pets at Risk
While very rare, rabbits can be at risk of eagle attacks. Wild rabbits are considered tricky prey for an eagle, but occasionally get taken. So, if you do have domestic rabbits, and you have seen bald eagles in your area, ensure they are kept in a hutch or cage when outdoors to prevent them from being picked up and carried away.
Summary
The bald eagle is a formidable bird capable of flying at great speeds. It has excellent eyesight and is strong enough to carry 3 or 4 pounds. However, the bird usually eats fish and will very rarely eat anything larger than a rodent or, very occasionally, a small rabbit. Cats, especially adult cats, are considered too large to be under threat from eagles, except in very rare circumstances.
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Featured Image Credit: MICHOFF from Pixabay
