Will a Hawk Eat Your Cat?

While a hawk may indeed hunt small mammals such as rodents and rabbits, most North American hawks are too small to attempt to take a whole cat. That being said, hawks tend to be territorial when they are nesting, and they will strike out to protect their young.

If your cat is outdoors and you know there are hawks in your area, be aware that your pet may be at risk, particularly if the cat likes to climb or perch. Hawks can injure a cat by striking it with their talons, even without taking the cat away.