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Pleasanton cat owners are being warned to keep their adventurous companions indoors at night after a police investigation found that coyotes were likely behind several recent reports of dead cats.
Pleasanton PD Animal Service Officer Frankie Ayers told the Weekly that while coyote sightings are not uncommon and should not raise alarm, pet owners need to be vigilant about keeping their furry friends inside overnight so they don’t run into these predatory animals.
“Coyotes are opportunistic hunters, so they do not differentiate pet cats from opossums, rabbits and other prey,” Ayers said. “These coyotes are venturing into our neighborhoods in the late evening and early morning hours, and that is when they are coming across free-roaming cats.”
Ayers said PPD first started receiving reports of dead cats from different areas around town sometime during mid-April.
“We initiated an investigation and by consulting experts, collecting evidence and obtaining video footage, we were able to determine that most attacks were related to coyotes,” Ayers said.
She added that as of now, “there is not one concentrated area within town” that reported more of these attacks.
However, keeping your cat or pet safe is simple in this situation, Ayers said. Keep your cat indoors at night and during the early morning hours.
“These coyotes are not entering into backyards or homes, they are just coming across these cats when they pass through,” Ayers said. “If residents keep their cats inside during peak hours of coyote activity (dusk until dawn), we anticipate a reduction in cat attacks.”
Ayers said in a social media post from PPD on July 14 that it’s already risky for cats to be outside at night because of vehicles and a number of other reasons. These factors coupled with the fact that it’s not uncommon for coyotes to prey on cats, she said it’s on the owners to keep their pets safe.
“While the recent attacks have been heart-wrenching, we as responsible pet parents must do what we can to protect our beloved companions,” she said.
She also said the California Department of Fish and Wildlife are aware of Pleasanton’s coyote situation but that the agency also recommends keeping pets inside at night.
Ayers said residents can report all coyote encounters to the CDFW but if a coyote is acting ill, aggressive or is approaching people, they should contact PPD.
