Great Horned Owls, formidable birds of prey found across North America, boast a varied diet and powerful physique. With a gripping force of 500 psi in their talons, far exceeding the human hand’s squeeze, it’s easy to understand how myths surrounding their predatory nature have arisen. One common concern is whether these impressive owls pose a threat to domestic cats.
The narrative of owls frequently preying on cats is largely an urban legend. While Great Horned Owls are indeed capable hunters, their physical limitations play a crucial role in determining their prey. An owl can typically lift and carry weight roughly equivalent to its own body mass, which is around 2-3 lbs. Adult domestic cats generally exceed this weight, making them too heavy for an owl to lift and fly away with.
Owls are opportunistic feeders with a diverse menu ranging from insects and amphibians to rodents, birds, and even small mammals like rabbits and skunks. While exceptionally rare instances of owls attacking and preying on very small kittens or extremely small cat breeds might occur, adult cats are generally not on their menu. The diving behavior sometimes witnessed, where owls swoop down towards cats or dogs, is more likely a defensive tactic, especially if the owl has a nest nearby, rather than a hunting attempt. Such dives are often misconstrued as aggression, but are usually territorial displays.
Therefore, while it’s not impossible for a very small cat to be targeted, the idea of owls regularly eating cats is a significant overstatement. These birds are a magnificent part of the ecosystem, and understanding their actual predatory habits helps to dispel unwarranted fears and promote a more accurate appreciation for their role in nature.
