Can a cat break into a chicken coop?

[Peggysaurus]

Hey, BYC! I have an outdoor cat that has been living on my property for 6 years now (one year ago I got my first batch of pullets). Every once in a while, I see her sitting on my fence watching my hens. It's happening more and more often now. Is there a way she could break into the coop? Should
I get rid of her? Any opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, BYC!

 

[Kiki]

Pictures of your coop please.

 

[WallyBirdie]

Not sure if she can break in.
How big are your chickens?

I have 4 cats, all go inside and out. My adult chickens and guineas free range all day. Sometimes the cats watch the chickens, but they never attack them.
I will, however, say that one time, a cat DID attack a smaller juvenile, and the poor thing didn't make it.
I have since learned that small birds will always be prey to cats. But larger ones are generally ignored. This is the case for my cats and chickens.
I do not know how it would be for yours.

If your coop/run is reasonably predator proofed, you're probably fine.

 

[Ted_Harrell]

As WallyBirdie says, security first, then keep an eye on the cat..

 

[townchicks]

If a domestic cat can break into your coop, you need to seriously up your game on security. They are not diggers, will not break through wire, they can jump and climb some. He is probably looking for mice. You should be glad he's around.

 

[slordaz]

as long as he's got food in case hunting doesn't go so well from my experience haven't had an issue this them, feral cats though are another story all together. We had someone drop a pet off out here and she moved in and can't seem to get rid of her, if it's really cold as she will not come in you will snuggle into one of the nesting boxes, yes she watches the chickens but more because my girls will kill a mouse but not eat it so she gets a free meal, I was surprised my dogs and the chickens let her in they usually run them off.. the outside cat probably deters others from trying to invade her territory, though if she isn't fixed I would do that so you don't end up attracting feral toms .

 

[Peggysaurus]

Pictures of your coop please.

Here you go!

 

[Kiki]

Here you go!

Thank you.
It looks cat proof but the chicken wire is not predator proof.

 

[Peggysaurus]

Thank you.
It looks cat proof but the chicken wire is not predator proof.

Okay. What type of wire would you use for your chickens?

 

[Kiki]

Okay. What type of wire would you use for your chickens?

1/2 inch hardware cloth.