If you have a cat but are considering adding chickens to your household, you’re likely pondering the wisdom of that move. After all, cats are predators, this is a hard-wired instinct and many will attack the chickens even if they do not intend to eat them.

This does not mean that every cat will attack the chickens as some are aware that chickens are large and come with claws and beaks that can be quite painful, so some of them will avoid any run-ins!

But it’s a different matter with baby chicks. Baby chicks can make tasty little snacks in between meals for our kitty friends. Even if your cat isn’t attacking a baby chick for food but is instead trying to play with it, there’s still a good chance that their predatory instincts will kick in and your kitty will kill the chick.

So, cats will rarely attack adult chickens (though it’s always a possibility), but it’s an absolute must to keep them far away from baby chicks.

Can Cats and Chickens Coexist?

On rare occasions, felines and adult chickens can coexist, but it’s a risk best to avoid and we recommend keeping them in a separate, secured area far away from your cats. You’ll also want to ensure young chicks only roam in an enclosure protected from cats, dogs, and other wild animals.

However, it is not completely unheard of and there are a few testimonials of people who managed to get their pet cats and chickens to coexist. So yes, there are anecdotes of cats who have been successfully socialized to coexist with these large birds. If your chickens are fully grown and your cat is smaller in size, they will be even less likely to want to attack them, but there are no guarantees. Moreover, unknown neighborhood cats are more than likely to attack your chickens, even if just for fun.

You can also help keep your pet cat from being tempted into trying to fight with your chickens by ensuring that they have plenty to eat so they don’t become ravenous enough to want to go up against the birds. It’s also smart not to leave food near your chicken coops or enclosures, as that will tempt not only your cat to that area but also wild animals.

Of course, the best way to ensure your chickens are always safe is by having them in an area your feline (or any other animal) isn’t allowed into, just on the off-chance kitty decides to attack. Remember cats are natural predators and chickens are considered prey, so if you decide to try to have your cat and chickens coexist, we recommend you only do supervised interactions.

Potential Benefits of Cats and Chickens Coexisting

Not only is it nice for you when all your animals get along, but there are also a couple of benefits to your cat and chickens coexisting peacefully.

First, having a feline prowling around means you’ll have less of a rodent population (mice and rodents will try to go after your chickens’ feed). Having fewer rodents around means a lower chance of snakes coming around looking for a meal, which equals more safety for your chickens.

Next, cats being around your chickens may help deter wild birds from hanging about. The more wild birds around your chickens, the higher the chance they could catch a disease or get mites. If you have a feline chasing away the wild birds, though, it’s much less likely your chickens will catch anything.

Other Considerations

There are other vital things you should know about cats and chickens being around each other: Your chickens can make your kitty sick and vice-versa. Chickens sometimes carry Salmonella, which can then be passed on to your feline. Likewise, your cat could transmit the infection to your chickens, and humans are also susceptible to this zoonotic disease. While your cat may show no signs of having Salmonella, they could still end up with medical issues, such as:

Other bacteria including Campylobacter jejuni can be transmitted from chickens to cats and even to humans. So, this is something to watch for if you have the two species in your home hanging out together. If you’re concerned about your cat’s health we suggest you speak to a vet.

Likewise, it is important to know that if a chicken does get attacked by a cat, the chances of puncture wounds getting infected are very high so they will require medical attention.

If you have a question about your cat's health or behavior, why not Ask a Vet for Free with Catster. Our veterinary team answers reader questions and provides trusted advice to help you better understand your cat.

Conclusion

Since cats have a high prey drive many would be more than eager to attack chickens, even if they do not intend to eat them. Moreover, baby chicks are entirely too tempting to our cats, as they make tasty snacks and fun playthings, so it is imperative to keep the two apart while your chicks are growing up. Anecdotal reports tell stories of some cats and adult chickens who have learned to coexist with likely little interest in each other. But there are no guarantees and we recommend you to keep your chickens in an enclosed area to be on the safe side.

Although there are few testimonials of cats and chickens being friendly with each other, there’s also a downside, as your chicken and cat could pass along some common pathogens. So besides being extra careful, it is imperative to practice hygienic methods when having these two animals together!

Featured Image Credit: Yuriy Kulik, Shutterstock