Joanna Wilson
Snakes are shy creatures that play a crucial part in ecosystems around the world, despite the fact that they are widely feared by people. That does not, however, imply that you want them to be in your yard all of the time. If you have a cat, you might be wondering if your cat friend might help keep snakes at away. Yes, cats can help keep snakes at far, but the chance of your cat being bitten and injured is great, and there are plenty of other, safer ways to keep snakes at away if necessary.
Table of Contents
How Cats Can Help Keep Snakes Away
Snakes can be kept at bay by outdoor cats in two ways. The first method is to hunt and kill rodents and other animals that snakes eat. Snakes will not want to stay in an area where there is a scarcity of food, thus a cat that controls the rodent population will also keep snakes away.
The second way that cats help keep snakes at bay is by killing the reptiles. Cats are top predators for a reason, and snakes are likely to be more elusive than other prey. Your cat might even leave a dead snake on your doorstep for you!
Hunting snakes, unfortunately, can put your cat in danger, especially if the snake is huge or deadly.
Risks Of Cats Hunting Snakes
Snake bites are far more prevalent in dogs, but outdoor cats are also at risk, particularly if they’re actively hunting snakes.
Non-venomous snake bites are painful and can become infected. Depending on the type of snake and how promptly treatment is started, if your cat is bitten by a venomous snake, the outcomes could be lethal.
Visible puncture wounds, swelling and bruising, pain, lethargy, and breathing changes are all signs that your cat has been bitten by a snake.
Apart from the dangers posed by snakes, cats who live outside face a higher chance of injury and death than cats that reside indoors. Instead of putting your cat in harm’s path outside to keep snakes at away, consider the suggestions in the next section.
Keeping Snakes Away Without the Help of Cats
Other than relying on your cat, there are various ways to keep snakes out of your yard.
One of the most basic is to make your yard an unfriendly habitat for snakes by removing any places where they could hide and shelter. Maintain a short lawn and keep trees and bushes cut back from the ground. Large boulders and water elements should be avoided in landscaping. Firewood heaps should be kept away from your home.
Snakes can also be kept at bay by avoiding attracting the birds and rodents that provide them with food. Feeding birds near your home, or at all, is not a good idea. Bird seed and pet food should be kept inside or in a properly sealed container.
Look for and repair any cracks in your home’s foundation, doors, or windows that snakes might utilize to get inside. Chemical repellents, such as mothballs, should be avoided because they are hazardous to other creatures and the environment, as well as useless against snakes.
Keeping Your Cat Safe From Snakes
Keeping your cat indoors is the greatest method to keep them safe from snakes (and many other risks). Yes, snakes are capable of entering your home, but this is uncommon, and your cat is always safer inside.
If you have outdoor cats or feed stray cats in your neighborhood, keep them safe by following our snake-proofing measures. The best method to keep your cat safe is to avoid snake interactions in the first place.
Conclusion
While some cats may be willing to help you keep snakes away, this is not the most effective method of snake management. Furthermore, cats who chase snakes face a greater danger of being bitten.
Consider other options besides relying on your cat to keep snakes out of your house and property. Also, think about if it’s worth it to figure out a way to safely coexist with any snakes in the region to prevent causing too much damage to the ecosystem.
