Do opossums attack cats?

Question

There's this stray cat that's been coming around my house since July or so. I don't think she's a full-grown yet since she's pretty small compared to other cats. She's relatively clean and appears to be in good health (aside from a slight mange on the back of her ears). My dad's taken a liking to it and would've taken it in, but my mom hates cats. So we just keep feeding it every time it comes in our backyard. Long story short, we fed it a few hours ago and it perked up out of nowhere. Soon enough, I find an opossum in my backyard making its way towards her food.

I kinda freaked out because I live in New York City all my life and I've NEVER seen an opossum before. Plus, it was pretty dark outside and it had this creepy a** grin, lmao. So after I came outside, it just strolled back to the neighbor's yard, but from what I saw, the cat didn't really freak out or anything. She usually takes off when other ferals come along, but she was actually pretty calm. But I've heard stories of raccoons and stuff harassing small dogs and cats, so I'm a little scared.

Is it likely that this opossum can hurt her?

Answer 1

No, they generally will not. Opossums are very slow creatures and usually just play dead when confronted by another animal. If you look at their claws they are not built for fighting like a cat's are; they are built for climbing.

Answer 2

Absolutely NOT! It's the damn cat that will attack the possie. Possums (Opossums) are one of the most docile animals on the planet. They will retreat under any condition versus face an attacker. Makes me sick to see the damn stray cats (outside cats are evil and kill everything they encounter, not to eat but for fun. period.) chase away my sweet posies. They have these long rows of incredibly sharp teeth and will not stand their ground. Anyone can look up this information, it isn't just because I rescue possies and adore them. They are extremely intelligent and docile, but the stinking cat will win every time.

J.J.

Answer 3

Are you sure it was an opossum and not a huge rat? Opossums and cats usually get alone fine. Thanks for feeding the stray kitten. Have you given her a shelter from the cold? How about spaying her so that she doesn't make more babies?

Answer 4

It's possible but 9/10 times, they will just play dead as a defense mechanism rather than attack. They like cat food, so that probably attracted it.

Answer 5

Yes. So will raccoons and coyotes and dogs.



Stray and feral cats also spread diseases and parasites so you need to stop feeding it and have AC live trap it and take it.

Answer 6

I do know possums do not carry rabies. Thier body temp is to cool to carry the rsbies virus.

Answer 7

i dunno but go 2 mcdonalds