Do owls eat cats?

Some owls, such as the Great Horned Owl, are able to catch and eat cats as well as very small dogs. As cats are not an owl's preferred food, however, such incidents are rare.

Although owls don't necessarily like to eat cats, they may still consider them food, as do other larger predatory animals, and if given the opportunity, they will often take advantage. Owls are also capable of eating other small pets, such as rabbits and birds. Owls hunt by night, so keeping cats and other domestic animals indoors during the owls' active period usually provides adequate protection for pets.