Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Will Barn Cats Kill Chickens? The Interesting Answer (Vet-Approved)

chicken looking at the camera in the yard

A barn cat isn’t a specific cat breed but a term used to describe a cat that usually lives outdoors, either as a pet or a feral animal, on agricultural properties, usually sheltering in buildings. They’re also known as farm cats.

If you’ve got a barn cat and also house chicken, you might be wondering, do cats attack and kill chickens? Any cat in the presence of chickens, including barn cats, can potentially attack and kill them. Feral, unsocialized barn cats are considered more likely to attack chickens, especially if they’ve done so successfully in the past. A pet cat accompanying you to your barn may or may not attack chickens. A pet can definitely injure chickens that they try to “play” with.

Remember, birds are a natural prey of cats. Even a feline that is usually pretty harmless may attack a chicken. You should keep smaller breeds and chicks away from cats, and protecting your chickens is vital—even if you aren’t worried about your cat attacking them.

divider 3 paws

How Do I Keep My Barn Cat From Attacking My Chickens?

chicken coop
Image by: John-Panella, Shutterstock

You cannot train out this behavior. It is instinctual. Cats will attack chickens because they look like prey animals. No amount of training will prevent this in many barn cats.

Therefore, you’ll need to confine your chickens to a safe area your cat cannot reach. Usually, an enclosure is necessary. Luckily, it doesn’t often need to be very strong, as your cat won’t be able to break through most wire cages. Smaller chickens and chicks should be specifically protected.

However, most larger chickens will be fine—even with a cat known for attacking chickens. Chickens can weigh just as much as a cat in many cases.

Tips to protect your chickens from your cat:
  • Secure your chicken coop: Make sure your chicken coop is secure and cat-proof. This means there are no holes or gaps in the walls or roof that a cat can squeeze through. You can also consider installing a latch or lock on the coop door to prevent the cat from getting in.
  • Use a motion-activated sprinkler: Set up a motion-activated sprinkler near your chicken coop. When a cat approaches, the sprinkler will activate and spray the cat with water, possibly scaring them away. This doesn’t always work, though.
  • Use chicken wire: Cover your chicken run with chicken wire or hardware cloth. This will prevent the cat from getting to your chickens but still allow your chickens to move freely.
  • Use other animals: Many dogs can be trained to protect livestock, such as chickens. This is helpful because cats aren’t the only animals that may attack chickens.

Will a Rooster Protect Hens From a Cat?

black and brown rooster beside of hen
Image Credit: Miroslav Matěcha, Unsplash

There’s no guarantee that a rooster will protect hens from a cat. Roosters often attack other predatory birds that approach a flock. A common myth is that they’re defending their flock; however, this isn’t true. Rosters attack a predatory bird because they often think it is trying to “mate” with their hens.

Roosters also play the role of a sentry in flocks and often sound the alarm if they see anything they perceive as a threat. They have a different sound for aerial threats as opposed to land threats. In the absence of a rooster, the hens assume this role. A mother hen with chicks also assumes a similar role for her chicks.

Though roosters are definitely an addition that some farmers prefer, they aren’t guaranteed to protect your hens from a cat. The most probable course of events that may unfold is that they will sound an alarm, and the entire flock (including the rooster) will flee in panic.

Roosters are larger than hens of the same breed and, therefore, are often not the target of predators. Ultimately, you cannot rely on them to protect your hens.

Can a Cat Kill a Chicken?

cat at a barn
Image Credit: Alexas_Fotos, Pixabay

Cats will have a very hard time killing a healthy, adult chicken. However, younger and smaller chickens are an easier target that some cats may be able to kill. It depends on the cat’s size and the chicken’s exact size.

Smaller chickens and chicks should be kept away from cats and other predators, preferably in a secure enclosure. Even the most harmless barn cat can kill a chick or small bantam chicken. It’s completely instinctual.

With that said, even larger chickens can be injured by a cat. Chickens are just not well-equipped to take on predators. A playful cat may also attempt “target practice” on a flock and may inadvertently injure your chickens when they pounce.

divider 3 paws

Conclusion

Barn cats are natural predators known to kill small animals such as birds, mice, and even rabbits. Chickens can be particularly vulnerable to barn cats, especially if they are young or small. While some cats may coexist peacefully with chickens, others may see them as prey and attack them. Therefore, taking precautions to protect your chickens from barn cats is important.

Even if you think your feline isn’t dangerous, their instincts may kick in at any moment. Plus, other felines from nearby areas may also threaten your chickens. When in doubt, always keep your chickens secure.

See also:


Featured Image Credit: sergey kolesnikov, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

How to Train a Barn Cat: 10 Easy Steps

Barn cats are common in almost every barn across the United States and other countries. They’re usually mixed-breed cats that are a bit...

cat at a barn

My Cat Killed a Bird: What to Do & Prevention Tips (Vet-Verified)

If you have an outdoor cat, chances are there will be a time that they bring you a dead bird. This experience is...

cat and bird

Can Cats Eat Scorpions? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

Cats naturally enjoy hunting, and small creatures are their favorite targets. Most insects do not pose threats to cats, but scorpions (and other...

Can Cats Eat Scorpions

How to Keep Neighborhood Cats Away: 8 Tips for Dealing With Outdoor Cats

Feral, strays, and outdoor felines are generally harmless for the most part. They tend to stay away from strangers and try to go...

an indoor cat staring at another cat sitting outdoor

More related

Feral cats eating on stone path

What Is a Group of Cats Called? Interesting Answer & Facts

You’ve heard of a flock of birds, a herd of cattle, a pack of dogs, and many other references to a group of...

cat hunting mouse outdoor

Do Cats Really Play With Their Prey Before Killing Them? Vet-Approved Behavior Explanation

We easily forget that our cute, fluffy cats are natural-born killers. Perfectly evolved to chase, stalk, and hunt small animals to devour them,...

cat and bird

The Cats-Kill-Wildlife Conundrum: Exploring a Common Issue

While we like to think of our pets as tame animals, our cats are still deeply in touch with their wild instincts. When...

short haired domestic cat sitting outside in fenced

Is It Legal to Let Your Cat Outside? What The Law States

If you own an energetic, restless cat that frequently cries to go outside, it can be tempting to give in to stop the...

Keep reading

Special Kitty Cat Food Review of 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Special Kitty Cat Food Review Summary Walmart is known for many things. It sells affordable products that allow regular people to make ends meet, but it’s not exactly known for having the highest-quality offerings. That also sums up its store-brand...

Solid Gold Cat Food Review

Nulo Cat Food Review of 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Nulo is a California company that makes a wide range of cat and dog foods. It started with a man trying to take better care of his dog and blossomed into a full-grown pet care business, with high-quality...

Nulo Freestyle Cat Food Review

Can Cats Have Down Syndrome? Vet-Reviewed Science & Info

There are many diseases and conditions that can affect both cats and people: Cancer, influenza, and even the plague have all been found in both humans and their pets. With that in mind, it’s worth asking: Can cats have Down...

female veterinarian examining cat on the table

3 DIY Tuna Pumpkin Cat Treat Recipes: Vet Approved Treats

We all love treats, and you can find several commercial cat treats for your kitty. But have you ever considered making your own? Making cat treats isn’t as difficult as you might think, and most recipes involve few ingredients and...

cat eating from feeding bowl

Do Cats Get Jealous of Dogs? Feline Emotions Explained (Vet-Reviewed)

Jealousy is a complex emotion that humans experience when they have feelings of insecurity or fear. While we don’t typically think of our cats as having similar feelings as we do, they appear to be capable of more than we...

Golden Retriever and British Shorthair accompany their owner

Why Doesn’t My Cat Like To Be Held Or Picked Up? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

No two cats are the same. Just because you’ve owned one in the past or have known somebody else who has owned a cat that loves to be cuddled, that does not mean that all cats like to be picked...

cat doesn't want to be held

Why Do Cats Like Warm Things So Much? 6 Interesting Reasons

You may have seen your cat cuddling with things like air vents or heaters. This may pique your interest, causing you to wonder why they like warm stuff so much. The answer is complicated, as cats love warm places for...

cat enjoying the warm spot

Is It Safe To Dye Your Cat’s Fur? Vet Approved Advice

If you’ve been online and pictures of cats with dyed coats have crossed your path, you may be wondering how the process works, what it involves, and whether it may be something to consider doing with your companion. In theory...

woman preparing dye for hair coloring on pink background