You have probably heard of, or perhaps experienced firsthand, the growing problem of coyotes in the East Bay. They have always shared our neighborhoods (unseen for the most part), but due to the drought they are becoming much more prevalent, and unfortunately, are becoming aggressive and extremely dangerous, especially for our smaller outdoor pets.
It seems like every day there is another posting on NextDoor about someone’s precious pet disappearing, neighbors seeing a coyote with a cat in its mouth, or someone witnessing their cat being grabbed in their own yard. Small dogs are also vulnerable to becoming easy prey and should not be left alone in your yard.
There are many opinions on what should be done to manage this scary new reality. Here are a few ideas to consider if coyotes are a threat to your furry family members.
Catios
A catio is a cat enclosure or “cat patio.” It can offer your cat or small dog a protected space to enjoy fresh air while exercising or watching birds and other wildlife. It's a great way to provide daily enrichment for your pet while keeping them safe from coyotes and other outdoor risks. Whether you have an indoor or outdoor cat, or a small dog that enjoys time in your yard, a catio can be the perfect solution while you enjoy peace of mind knowing your precious family member is safe.
Catios are available in a variety of designs and sizes for a window, porch, patio, deck, garden or larger yard. From small and simple to large and luxurious, they can be an attractive addition to your home for the wellbeing of your pets who love to spend time outside. Large catios include space for human seating, too. Depending on the design you choose, cats can enter through a cat door in a window, and both cats and dogs can access through a pet door installed in a wall or door. You and your pet will enjoy having this safe haven!
Coyote Rollers
What are coyote rollers? The Coyote Roller fence system is designed to help protect your dogs and cats from harm. A Coyote Roller is a 4ft long, ribbed aluminum rod, that attaches to your fence with Mounting Brackets. It acts as a deterrent to prevent animals from gaining the leverage they need to pull over a fence and should be installed on fences that are at least 6ft high. The system is simple, safe, humane, requires no power source, is maintenance free and constructed to last a lifetime!
The Coyote Vest
While nothing can protect your dog completely, the CoyoteVest offers multiple levels of protection that can help, especially if your small dog enjoys their time outdoors without constant supervision. The unusual appearance makes your dog look strange in the eyes of a predator and may cause them to hesitate before attacking. If they do attack, a formidable array of shiny spikes defends the back and the neck - which is where most injuries occur - and the vest is made with puncture-resistant materials that can withstand sharp canine teeth. It’s an unusual solution for sure, but it helps to slow down an attack and give you enough time to react before serious injury can occur.
If you have additional solutions on how to best protect our furry loved ones, be sure to reach out!
