Do possums attack cats, dogs, or other pets?

Do possums attack cats, dogs, or other pets? Possums are also known as opossum and it is one of the oldest mammals found on earth. They are usually of the same size as the house cat but their legs are much shorter. They have very sharp teeth and their small bite can result in a deep wound. Their claws are equally sharp. They are mainly known for playing dead. This is the trick they use to confuse the predators so that they can free themselves from the predators and thus can live their life freely. They can be aggressive in nature as well depending on the situation but there are more such situations observed where possums are being attacked by cats or other pets.

Possums usually don’t attack cats, dogs or other pets but if they are threatened by these animals then firstly they will try to act as dead and they sometimes even release a noxious odor so that other animals think that they are actually dead. They are mainly looking to survive so that’s why they get involved in these types of activities. It is actually a reaction to an action. In case, the animal is still teasing them then they may attack the animals. Actually, the possum is not attacking them but in fact, it is protecting itself. That’s why they use their sharp teeth and claws as a last means of defense.



This was the one situation when possums can attack pets but there are other conditions as well when they can attack cats or dogs. If your pet animals will approach where possum’s babies are then like any other animal possum will also protect their young ones for survival. If they will get more close to their babies then mother possum will definitely attack your animals. There are very rare instances when a possum will be sick and a sick possum can not only attack pet animals but humans as well because it will be out of its mind. At this time, they can be quite aggressive.

Your animal will not just get injured but will get infected with the same disease the possum will be suffering. There are other risks as well such as transfer of parasites like lice or fleas from possums to animal’s body. There is another disease called as Toxoplasmosis which cats can easily get when they come in contact with the possum’s contaminated water, soil or urine.

But there are very rare instances when you will hear such kind of news when possum will attack the pet animals. But if in case your animal is bitten by the possum then there are few things that you should do because they might be dangerous to the animals. You should then take your animal for medical treatment. Even though the chances of their bite are pretty less but still you need to avoid possum because you never know about their way of reaction. Therefore, always keep your pets indoor whenever any possum is around.


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