Introduction
Have you ever noticed that your cat’s food mysteriously disappears overnight, even when your feline friend isn’t particularly hungry? You might have an uninvited guest helping themselves to a midnight snack: a possum. These adaptable creatures, also known as opossums (scientifically known as *Didelphis virginiana* in North America), are nocturnal marsupials known for their resilience and resourcefulness. While they play a vital role in our ecosystems, their fondness for pet food can create a host of problems.
Possums are naturally drawn to cat food. However, consistently allowing these wild animals access to your cat’s kibble, while seemingly harmless, can ultimately be detrimental to both the possums themselves and to your beloved feline companions. This article will explore why possums are attracted to cat food, the potential issues it can cause, and most importantly, how you can effectively prevent these nocturnal visitors from turning your cat’s dinner into their own personal buffet.
Why the Attraction to Feline Fare?
To understand why possums are attracted to cat food, it’s crucial to first understand their natural diet. Possums are opportunistic omnivores, meaning they’re not picky eaters and will consume a wide variety of food sources. Their diet typically includes insects, snails, slugs, frogs, rodents, birds, eggs, fruits, nuts, carrion, and even garbage. In essence, they are scavengers, constantly on the lookout for an easy and readily available meal.
Cat food ticks all the right boxes for a hungry possum. First and foremost, it boasts a high nutritional value. Cat food, particularly dry kibble, is packed with protein and fat, making it an extremely appealing and energy-rich food source. From a possum’s perspective, a bowl of cat food represents a convenient and calorie-dense meal, far easier to obtain than hunting for insects or scavenging through the undergrowth.
Furthermore, the sheer convenience of readily available cat food is a major draw. Food left outdoors, whether intentionally or unintentionally, presents an irresistible opportunity for these nocturnal foragers. Unlike their natural prey, cat food requires no hunting or chasing. It’s simply there, waiting to be consumed. The strong scent of cat food, especially wet food varieties, further enhances its allure. The aroma wafts through the night air, acting as a beacon for possums searching for a quick and easy meal. If possums eat cat food regularly it will start expecting it.
The Problems with Possums Indulging in Cat Food
While it might seem harmless to let a possum enjoy a free meal, there are several significant problems associated with this practice. These issues can impact the health and well-being of both the possums themselves and your domestic cats.
Let’s begin with the potential health risks for possums. Although cat food provides calories and protein, it is not a balanced diet for these wild animals. Cat food formulations are specifically designed to meet the nutritional needs of domestic cats, not marsupials. Regular consumption of cat food can lead to significant nutritional imbalances in possums, depriving them of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that they would normally obtain from their natural diet.
Another concern is the risk of obesity. Cat food is often very high in calories. Consistent access to this readily available and calorie-rich food source can easily lead to weight gain and obesity in possums. Obesity can then contribute to a range of health problems, including diabetes, heart disease, and reduced mobility, ultimately impacting their ability to survive in the wild. Possums that eat cat food may become too fat to effectively defend themselves.
Perhaps one of the most overlooked consequences is the potential for dependence. When possums consistently find an easy and reliable food source like cat food, they may become overly reliant on it, reducing their natural foraging abilities. This dependence can make them less adept at finding food in the wild, especially during periods of scarcity.
The problems don’t stop with the possums. Your own cats can also face health risks when possums are regularly helping themselves to their food. One of the primary concerns is competition. Possums, despite their generally docile nature, can become aggressive when competing for food. This competition can lead to stress and potential injuries for your cats, especially if they are timid or smaller in size.
Furthermore, possums can carry a variety of diseases and parasites that can be transmitted to cats. These may include fleas, ticks, mites, and various internal parasites. While the risk of rabies is relatively low in possums due to their low body temperature, it is still a possibility, albeit a rare one.
Beyond health concerns, the presence of possums around your home can also lead to nuisance and property damage. Possums can be messy eaters, scattering food around the feeding area and knocking over dishes. This mess can attract other unwanted pests, such as raccoons, rodents, and even insects, creating a larger pest control problem. In some cases, possums may become aggressive if they feel threatened, posing a potential risk to humans and pets.
Taking Action: Keeping Possums Away from the Cat’s Bowl
Fortunately, there are numerous steps you can take to prevent possums from accessing your cat’s food and mitigating the associated risks. The most effective solutions involve adjusting your feeding practices and implementing physical barriers.
The single most effective strategy is to feed your cats indoors. This eliminates the opportunity for possums to access the food altogether. If feeding indoors isn’t feasible, then carefully consider your outdoor feeding practices.
If you must feed your cats outdoors, only put out enough food for a single meal. Avoid leaving a large bowl of food out all day and night. Feed your cats during the day, preferably in the morning, and remove any uneaten food before dusk, when possums become active. Consider getting your cat used to meal times.
Proper food storage is also critical. Store cat food in sealed, rodent-proof containers to prevent possums (and other pests) from being attracted to the scent. Ideally, store the food indoors, such as in a pantry or closet.
In addition to adjusting your feeding practices, consider implementing physical barriers to deter possums. One option is to build or purchase an elevated feeding station that is difficult for possums to access. A simple platform raised several feet off the ground can be surprisingly effective. Make sure the legs of the platform are smooth and difficult to climb.
Ensuring your yard is properly fenced can also help deter possums. Check for any gaps or holes in your fence and repair them promptly. Remember that possums are skilled climbers, so a high fence is necessary. If possums eat cat food then climb your fence, the problem will continue. Burying the fence at least eighteen inches below the ground can also prevent possums from digging underneath.
Motion-activated sprinklers or lights can also be effective deterrents. When a possum approaches the feeding area, the sudden burst of water or light can startle them and discourage them from returning.
Maintaining cleanliness around feeding areas is essential. Regularly clean up any food scraps or spills to eliminate attractants. Secure your trash cans to prevent possums from being attracted to other food sources on your property.
Humane trapping should be considered as a last resort. Before resorting to trapping, check your local regulations, as trapping and relocating wildlife may be regulated in your area. If trapping is permitted, use live traps specifically designed for possums. Relocating possums should be done responsibly, to a suitable habitat far away from your property, if local laws allow.
Above all, never intentionally feed wildlife, including possums. Feeding wild animals only encourages them to become dependent on humans and attracts them to your property, exacerbating the problem.
Addressing Misconceptions and Common Questions
There are many misconceptions surrounding possums. One common myth is that they are inherently aggressive. In reality, possums are generally timid creatures that prefer to avoid confrontation. When threatened, they often “play possum,” feigning death to deter predators.
Another misconception is that possums are always rabid. While possums can carry rabies, it is relatively rare due to their low body temperature. Their low body temperature makes it difficult for the rabies virus to thrive.
Some people may be concerned about the ethics of relocating possums. While relocating a possum may seem like a humane solution, it can actually have negative consequences for the animal. Relocated possums may struggle to find food and shelter in unfamiliar territory and may be unable to compete with established populations.
Coexisting Responsibly with Wildlife
Preventing possums from accessing cat food is crucial for the health and well-being of both your pets and the possums themselves. By adjusting your feeding practices, implementing physical barriers, and maintaining cleanliness, you can effectively deter these nocturnal visitors from turning your cat’s dinner into their own personal buffet.
Take action today to protect your cats and discourage possums from relying on cat food as a primary food source. By implementing these strategies, you can promote responsible co-existence with wildlife and create a healthier and safer environment for everyone. Possums can live healthy lives without your cat food. Remember that responsible pet ownership includes protecting the environment and the wildlife in it.
