Snakes are known for their ability to sneak up on their prey quietly, and as humans, we’re prone to being afraid of them. But have you ever wondered if snakes have any natural predators? Are they scared of cats or other animals?
Snakes are afraid of cats and will actively avoid making contact with them whenever possible. Cats are not natural predators of snakes, but they will hunt and attempt to kill them. However, cats can get sick when a snake bites, and they can’t keep them away.
Keep reading to find out more about the relationship between cats and snakes. I’ll cover how they interact and whether you can use cats to keep snakes at bay.
Will Cats Keep Snakes Away?
Cats can’t keep snakes away completely. They will actively try to hunt them, but an encounter between a cat and a snake will be a close call for both. Cats do not hunt snakes to eat them but out of instinct.
Indoor (domesticated) cats will also hunt snakes because it is a cat’s basic instinct to hunt. In fact, cats consider a hunt to be a game, and they tend to hunt even when they aren’t hungry.
Can Cats Kill Snakes?
Cats are capable of killing snakes because they are smarter and have more skills to win the fight. Depending on their size, cats can be significantly stronger than snakes. However, it’s important to note that venomous snakes can kill a small cat if they bite it.
Cats are likely to fight with their claws when approached by a snake. In turn, the snake will be frightened and try to slither away. The snake might attempt to bite the cat, but cats have better reflexes and will probably jump out of the way.
Here’s a video of an encounter between a cat and a snake so you can understand how each reacts:
Why Cats Hunt Snakes
Cats hunt mostly for the thrill of it, especially domestic cats. The slithering movement of snakes acts as a trigger for feline hunting instincts. Your domestic cat probably hunts to stay active. Other reasons cats hunt include:
- Defending their territory
- Food
- Curiosity
- Gifting the snake as a form of affection.
Final Thoughts
Snakes will pique the interest of most cats, triggering them to hunt. Cats won’t be able to keep the snakes from coming to your garden, but the snakes will still fear your feline buddy. Cats can kill snakes, and some venomous snakes can make cats sick.