Fearless House Cat vs Mountain Lion

What happens when a big, scary mountain lion comes to the back sliding door of your house? There’s nothing to worry about if you happen to live with one of these brave kitties who faced off with other animals that dared to invade their home territories. These fearless housecats will be happy to scare off any intruders.

Cat vs Mountain Lion Video

In this video, a woman recounts her Maine Coon cat’s face-to-face meeting with a mountain lion at the patio door…documented with still pictures. This also happened to be in Boulder, Colorado, a known central for these creatures.

What Are Mountain Lions?

You may have heard of these creatures, but do you know exactly what they are? Also known as a cougar or puma, mountain lions are the largest wild cat in North America. It is an apex predator that can roam up to 125 miles for food and typically subsists on big game like deer, elk, and moose. They are solitary animals and stealthy hunters, capable of jumping 40 feet and running up to 50 mph.

To match that ferocity, cats need a very different kind of strength—cunning and guile. While a house cat may not be able to compete with physical power, they have other methods to make use of. A housecat can use its agility to sneak up on prey or ambush it from high spots. Their keen senses may also warn them from afar when predators are nearby, giving them enough time to hide safely or seek help from their human companions.

Mountain Lions In Colorado

Cougars live throughout Colorado's wilder. These majestic creatures typically inhabit areas of rugged terrain with dense forests, cliffs, and rocky outcroppings. Though their kind is not as rare in Colorado as in other states, they remain labeled as threatened species due to habitat loss and hunting in some areas. These elusive creatures tend to keep to themselves, so sightings of them are relatively uncommon. Despite this, it is crucial to be aware of their presence and take proper precautions when hiking or camping in their habitat.

What Makes These Animals So Wild And Ferocious?

Carnivorous Diet

First, these animals are carnivorous predators—and they eat a lot! They consume about 7 kg of prey weekly (over 14 pounds!). Because of their diet, they have strong jaws, teeth, and a powerful neck that helps them grab food.

Enduring Energy Level

Big cats can maintain their energy levels throughout the day and night. They can be active in the morning and evening. They can even hunt in complete darkness! Plus, since they're expert climbers, they can stay on high trees until the right hunting opportunity arrives.

Moreover, panthers don't waste any time after hunting for prey—as soon as an animal dies from exhaustion or injury from the chase, it gets eaten immediately. These creatures don't let any meat go to waste, which makes them incredibly efficient hunters and adds to their fierceness!

Do Cats Stand A Chance Against Mountain Lions?

House cats can weigh between four and twenty pounds, while a typical adult panther can pack fifty or more. That means they could just as easily pick up these kitties in their mouth and carry them off.

Mountain lions also have the added advantage of strength. Their powerful hind legs can pounce up to forty feet in one leap. And, since they use their front claws to capture prey, their power is undeniable. Domestic felines don't even come close to that type of strength and agility when it comes to hunting.

While these brave kitties have some remarkable skills that differentiate them from other predators, they probably won’t fare very well when faced with bigger, wilder versions of their kind. You can get your cat an outdoor enclosure to keep them safe.

FAQs

Are house cats related to mountain lions?

Yes, they are indeed related to mountain lions. Both belong to the Felidae family, which includes all felines. House cats are a domesticated species of the African wildcat, also known as Felis silvestris lybica. Their ancestry links them together in the wildcat family tree.

Do mountain lions attack house cats?

Mountain lions may attack kitties, especially if they are left outside unsupervised. While house cats are not typical prey for their kind, they can be viewed as a potential threat or competition for resources.

Additionally, mountain lions are attracted to areas where there are prey animals such as rodents or other small mammals that are common in suburban and rural neighborhoods, which can increase the likelihood of a mountain lion encounter.

Which is more dangerous, a bobcat or a mountain lion?

Both creatures are considered to be dangerous wild animals, but panthers are generally considered to pose a greater threat to humans. They are larger in size, reaching up to 200 pounds, whereas bobcats rarely exceed 40 pounds.

Panthers are also highly predatory and have been known to attack and kill humans. In contrast, bobcats are more likely to avoid human confrontation and prefer to hunt smaller prey, such as rabbits and squirrels. However, both should be respected and given ample space if encountered in the wild. It is essential for humans to be aware of their surroundings and take precautions when exploring areas known to be inhabited by these animals.

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