Possum sightings have become more commonplace because of rapid urbanization, both humans and possums have been forced to live in close proximity to one another and both of us aren’t happy about it.

But how do possums act towards our common household pets? This article explores the question of ‘are possums dangerous to cats’ 

Possums aren’t generally dangerous to cats but they can be, these animals can harm cats if they feel threatened and they can give your cat a fatal disease if the two get close enough 

Are possums dangerous to cats?

Possums and large cats are about the same size, these animals have long, razor-sharp claws and teeth that can do some damage. They are usually very docile but they can act out sometimes.

They usually play dead when they feel threatened but they can sometimes be dangerous to cats, this is how:

Is possum poop dangerous to cats?

Poop is the body’s way of getting rid of materials that it does not want anymore. Poop is generally very toxic, so yes, possum poop is very dangerous to cats.

The poop of possums contains a number of bacteria. One disease in particular, that can be transferred through possum poop is Myeloencephalitis (EPM), this illness can negatively affect your cat’s nervous system.

Signs that your cat is suffering from this illness include rigidity, neck pain, painful muscle spasms, and fever in cats

Do possums carry fatal diseases to cats? 

Yes, possums can carry a number of fatal diseases, these diseases can be passed onto cats. Diseases that possums can give to cats include:

Rabies: One disease that will be fatal to cats if untreated is rabies, this illness can be transferred from possum to cat. However, because a possum’s body temperature is so low, the rabies virus will likely not thrive in their bodies anyway.

Tuberculosis: This is another fatal disease that can be transferred from possum to cat. This illness can be treated if it is caught early enough but if it is not, then the disease will spread to the cat’s organs and kill it.

Spotted fever: Ticks from a possum can travel to a cat and give it spotted fever. This disease is fatal to cats. Treatment is generally needed to give the cat a chance at survival

Tularemia: Tularemia is a rare bacterial infection that can be fatal to cats. This illness, passed from wild animals, like possums, to domestic animals, like your cat, can cause your pet to become gravely ill 

Can a possum hurt a cat? 

It is unusual for a possum to hurt your cat but this can happen. Although possums are docile they can bite and scratch your cat and cause serious injuries.

If a possum does decide to hurt your cat, then your cat will likely not come out looking so great.

Possums have a vicious bite that can easily tear into your cat’s skin and flesh as well as crush your cat’s bones. A bite from this animal can also cause an infection in cats. If a possum bites your cat, you’d need to get your cat to the vet as soon as possible. 

This article looks deeper into the topic of possums attacking cats 

Do possums attack cats? 

In theory, it is possible for a possum to attack a cat but this seldom happens. If the possum is attacked by a cat then the marsupial will bare its teeth to appear meaner than it really is.

It may also hiss at the cat to make itself seem more dangerous but this is usually a bluff 

Will a cat kill a baby possum? 

Cats have the ability to kill smaller and younger possums, a cat will have no issue killing a possum the size of a rat. Cats are still animals and have a strong drive to hunt and kill smaller animals, they do this for fun not only for food

Will a possum kill a kitten?

Possums can kill kittens. Kittens are smaller and weaker animals that have no defenses. Possums have no problem killing kittens, especially if the possum is wild.

Wild possums don’t have access to many food sources and will thus kill and eat anything they can find. If a kitten is the only food available to these animals then the possum will hunt and kill it.

Domestic possums will likely not hunt and kill a kitten, these animals have access to other food sources 

This article is a closer in-depth look at this topic. 

Do possums get along with cats? 

Possums can definitely get along with cats, the two of them are of a similar size so they won’t try to attack each other for a meal. If both of them act calmly and don’t threaten the other then both can go about their day with no issue.

The two can even be seen eating food side by side sharing a food bowl. There are numerous pictures and videos online showing just that.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, yes possums can be dangerous to cats. If the two get into an altercation then the possum can really damage your cat by scratching and biting it.

Diseases that your cat can get from possums include rabies, spotted fever, tularemia, and tuberculosis. Adult possums will attack and kill baby cats and adult cats will also attack and kill baby possums 

If you enjoyed this article then you may also be interested in other possum related articles. Here are some articles that you may be interested in: Can Possums Eat Meat?, Can Possums Eat Apples?, Do Possums Eat Bananas?, Can Possums Eat Cat Food?, Where Do Possums Nest?