Brave Mama Cat Fights off a Coyote To Protect Her Kittens in Heart-Stopping Video
The lesson of the day: Do not mess with a stray mama cat. A coyote learned this the hard way when he went after a couple of her kittens. Little did he know that Mama would say, "Not today," and successfully chase away the much larger canine.
This clip from KTLA 5 News shows doorbell camera footage of the cat in a tussle with the coyote. She positively pounces on the wild dog and doesn't let up. Despite the size difference, it's clear she won this battle.
Newscasters explain that the man who provided the clip helps feed the stray, whom he named Puffy Girl, and confirmed after the encounter that the kittens and their mom were doing OK. Hopefully, the coyote accepts defeat and doesn't return.
@ktlanews Wild new doorbell camera video shows a feral mama cat fighting off a coyote to protect her kittens outside a San Bernardino County home. #coyote#catsoftiktok#kittens
original sound - KTLA 5 News - KTLA 5 News
Viewers understood feral cats to a T with @Nina Vale calling her "Momma Bear" instead. @HealthisWealth took it a step further, observing, "Street cats are the most fearless."
But the top comment went to @Savage Auntie Heather, "I love females of ALL species. We are unstoppable." Truth!
Numerous TikTok users called for the cats to be rescued, fearing the coyote might return. It's a tricky one to navigate, but there are a few things you can do to help outdoor cats stay safe.
Related: Former Feral Tuxedo Cat Figures Out He's Safe, and the Result Is Pure Sweetness
How To Keep Outdoor Cats Safe From Predators
Mama Cat had no trouble chasing away the coyote this time, but the little family might need some human help to keep the predators at bay. Alley Cat Allies suggests a multipronged approach to deterring wildlife.
The first part is the food. Sometimes feeding cats lures in other animals, like raccoons, but also coyotes. The trick is to put out just enough food for the cats to eat quickly and gobble up every bite (it's recommended to return for any leftovers). Setting a mealtime can help, as the felines will learn when to expect dinner, just like an indoor cat would.
Additionally, this kind stranger could look into building a shelter for the mini colony. The kitties can easily jump onto a platform that a canine might not be able to reach. Once the kittens are big enough, that option could give them a safe spot to sleep.
Lastly, many cities have Trap-Neuter-Return programs that keep cat populations stable without harming any animals. The kittens might also still learn to become pets if they're young enough and already used to humans. A local organization could help find them homes.
In the meantime, the litter seems pretty safe with their coyote-fighting mom.
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This story was originally published June 21, 2026 at 9:20 AM.