Cats near my Chicken Coop!

I have a medium sized chicken coop with 5 chickens in them. The chickens can see anything because they only have a wired mesh around their coop. There are a few stray cats in my neighborhood, my own cat was interested in them, but didnt really want to attack them, he just observed them. Do you think hungry stray cats would attempt anything?

Well, they might. More likely they are interested in any rodents that spilled chicken feed might attract, but I have known cats to go after chickens if they are desperate enough and the chicken is small enough. But since yours are in a run, they should be OK as long as the cats can not get inside the run or coop. Cats aren't really able to rip open chicken wire like a raccoon can.

We have had backyard chickens for the past year, a flock of 4 that free range, and so far have lost no birds. Our cats are indoors only, but there are at least 3 neighborhood cats that lurk about in our backyard -- since our lot is the only wooded, shady lot on the block. If anything, I think the cats' presence has warded off more dangerous predators; hawks, coons, and opossums. The cats do seem to enjoy watching the chickens, and the chickens are very nervous about the cats, and tend to flock together in their presence. However, the chickens in a flock, seem to have a formidable power that the cats respect and both groups observe one another from a safe distance and take turns at what has become a communal watering hole in the back (a small pond with plants).

I think your birds will be safe. I initially fretted over the cats also, but a friend with many years' experience with chickens told me that cats + chickens are usually fine, while dogs are the chickens' real enemy. So far, this has been my experience as well.

oh ok, thank u

oh ok, thank you for the advice