Possums are a misunderstood breed of animals. Many people dislike them because they are associated with garbage but these animals are actually very calm and gentle creatures.

Possums don’t usually have an aggressive side to them if left alone. If you own cats you might ask yourself “do possums attack cats?” This article looks into it

If necessary a possum will attack a cat. They can attack if they feel threatened by the cat, other animals, or humans. An attack is one of the ways to protect themselves from a threat. They have two lines of defense. If the possum feels threatened it will either attack or play dead.

Do possums attack cats?

Possums can be very dangerous when attacked. They are quite large in size. They have sharp teeth and claws which can cut into skin very easily. Possums are a predator to cats.

They will attack the cat if necessary and will use their sharp and dangerous claws and teeth to win in a fight.

They can use their natural defence mechanisms in a fight by using their claws and teeth to claw into skin, scratch and even bite your cat in a fight. So keep your cats away from them.

Possums have the ability to kill a house cat, but in the same sense, cats have the ability to kill possums. But killing each other in a fight is quite rare.

Usually, if they get into an altercation the possum will simply injure the cat. This is if they are forced into a situation of having to defend themselves.

So if you have a possum problem on your property it will be good to keep you cats and any other pets protected.

Your domesticated house cat is not used to having to defend itself from any wild animals. If it can, rather than fight, possums would rather play dead. This is what the possum is well known for.

Can possums spread disease to cats?

The possum might not have to attack the cat to kill it. It can kill it by giving it a disease.

One of the diseases a possum can give to a cat or any other animal a disease called Toxoplasmosis. This is passed from possum to cat through the urine or any sort of contamination of the water or soil.

Another one of the diseases that possums can transmit to your cat is Coccidiosis.

This disease is transmitted when a healthy animal comes into contact with the faeces of an infected possum. Domestic animals are inquisitive with other animals faeces and will probably touch it to investigate. This can cause diarrhoea in domestic animals.

Tularemia is a disease that can be transmitted from possums to domestic animals including your cat. This disease can infect the animal and give it respiratory issues and even ulcers on the body.

You should generally keep wild and domestic animals separate for your pets own safety. If the domestic animal comes into contact with a possum then you should take it to the vet.

Do possums attack humans?

They will only attack when they feel attacked or treated. Avoid doing anything that will make them threatened. This includes cornering them or approaching the mothers young.

Other than directly attacking them here are a few things you should not do to avoid being attacked:

Don’t feed them: If you feed them they will no longer fear humans, they will then become aggressive and attack you if you don’t give them food when they expect it.

Do keep pet food closed: They will gravitate to your pet food, they will attack you if you try to remove them or take away their food stores.

Do possums carry diseases fatal to humans?

Yes, possums can carry diseases that are dangers and even fatal to humans. These diseases include TB, spotted fever, coccidiosis, tularemia and leptospirosis.

They scavenge for food, they will find food in trashcans and will eat carcases of any dead animals that find. This, in turn, makes them more prone to catching rabies. Rabies can be fatal to humans.

They also carry parasites which can affect humans in negative and deadly ways. They can carry fleas, lice, mites and ticks. These can be dangerous to both humans and the animals you might keep as pets.

This article is a product guide will help you get rid of lice.

Are possums scared of humans?

Possums aren’t scared of humans, they have sharp teeth but these aren’t usually used to harm, they are usually used to scare animals away. Possums usually play dead when being confronted.

That being said, they will attack as a last resort, they will attack if they feel attacked. Or feel threatened. In general, if you do encounter a possum you should leave it alone, it is a wild animal and it should be treated as such.

What happens if you get scratched by a possum?

As with any wild animal, if you get scratched or bitten you should go see a doctor but because the chances of a possum having rabies are so low you shouldn’t be worried. If the scratch develops into an infection it will likely be treated with antibiotics.

Possum nails are very fragile and delicate, the chances of them scratching you are pretty slim.

Their nail beds are easily ripped out so they need to use other methods of scaring predators away. This is why they evolved to hiss and show their teeth when they’re in danger. They are generally non-confrontational.

Is a possum dangerous?

Yes, possums can be dangerous, they can also just be a nuisance. They will be a nuisance in the garden because they dig up gardens, feed on your garden fruits like grapes, fruits, berries and nuts. They also have the unsightly habit of defecting where they please.

Are possums bad to have around your house?

Yes, possums are bad to have in and around your house. If it gets startled by you and feels threatened it can attack. The best defence is to guide the possum out your house. You can use a broom to gently guide the possum out of the house.

Make sure you close all the doors that are on the path to the other rooms. You can also leave a trail of food to the outside of the house. Leave a larger bowl of pet food, fish or meat outside to draw it out. Let the possum follow the trail and leave the house.

You likely won’t see possums out and about because they sleep during the day. This article looks at where they go during the day

What attracts possums to your yard?

Food: All animals need food for survival, possums will come onto your property if they have easy access to food. They will eat almost anything because they are omnivores. They love human food and will be attracted to it if any of it is left out.

Pet food: This is as another type of food that possums will be attracted to, they love meaty treats such as cat or dog food. If you leave this out all day and night you’re sure to attract some possums

Shelter: Possums nest in tree holes in the wild, If you have any small openings similar to tree holes on your property then possums will flock to it.

Open bodies of water: All animals and humans need water for survival, this includes possums. They like to live close to moist areas or water, if you want to get rid of them drain your water bodies.

How to get rid of possums:

If you want to get rid of them then you can mildly harass them, they will become irritated and leave.

You can do this by leaving a variety of loose straws or leaves in the entrance of their dens. You can also add scents that will remind them of humans, this can include dirty socks or old and smelly shoes.

If you are brave you can try to move the animal with a broom, sort of guiding them out of your house. With all these tricks your possum issue will be gone within a couple of days.

How do you scare a possum away?

Scaring possums is a humane way to get them to go away. If you scare them they will most probably not return. Here are a few things you can use to scare them:

Helium balloons: These balloons will constantly sway in the wind and this will scare the possums away from your property. You can leave these balloons in your yard

Pinwheels: These affordable party supplies can be used to scare away possums. Simply secure them in some soil in your yard and let the wind spin the pinwheel

Radio: Possums don’t like loud noises, simply leave your radio out in the yard playing loud music, this works as an excellent possum repellent. The possums will leave the area and look for a quieter yard.

A fan: If you have an oscillating fan you can leave out in your yard using an extension cord. The fan will help get rid of possums. The noise will scare the possums away and keep them from coming back into your garden.

Motion-activated lights: Possums don’t like to be started. If you can, install some motion-activated lights in your yard, these will light up when possums come into the area and scare them away.

Motion-activated sprinklers: This a great way to get rid of your possum problem and water your garden. Simply install these devices and let them do their possum repelling magic

Ammonia: This is a product that possum’s, racoons and other critters don’t like, it’s a great repellent. Soak some cloths in ammonia and leave the cloths where possums frequent it is sure to repel the animals

Should I kill a possum?

You shouldn’t kill a possum, they are generally not a threat. If you find a possum in your garden they will most likely leave and be on their way soon enough.

They are not aggressive animals, the most they will do is hiss at you and this is just a defence mechanism, they will also play dead if they are scared.

Possums can be a big help to your garden. They eat pests that ruin your garden such as slugs, small rodents, snails and insects. They also clean up after other animals that have spilt garbage Possums will also clear up fruits that may have fallen from trees.

In addition, they have a smaller chance of giving you diseases like rabies, the chances of a possum having rabies is quite low. If you really want to get rid of the possum can call a wildlife expert, they will help get rid of the possum in a humane way.

What is the difference between a possum and an opossum?

Possums and opossums are different animals. Both these animals may look similar but there are a couple of differences between a possum and an opossum these include:

Origin: Opossums originate in North America, and possums originate in Australia

Tails: If you have a look at their tails you’ll notice that the possum has a much longer tail, the possum tail is very furry. The opossum’s tail has no hair.

Body: Possums are quite furry, they are smaller animals than opossums and have more gentle features. Opossums are less furry and have more striking features.

I hope you enjoyed this article looking at if possums attack cats. If you enjoyed this article please share it.

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: What Do Possums Eat In The Garden? 11 Plants Possums Eat, Do Possums Eat Mice, Benefits, And Why They Prefer Not To, Do Possums Eat Carrots? Benefits,3 Reasons Why They’re Loved, Is there a rat or possum in your roof?, What Do Baby Possums Drink?, Baby brushtail possum care, what to do, How To Feed A Baby Possum, Precations, What To Do, And How , Are Possums Dangerous To Cats?, Can Possums Eat Meat?, Can Possums Eat Apples?