As well as being predators of small mammals and birds, foxes are opportune scavengers, and while we may not like the idea of them munching on a dearly departed pet cat, they are simply ‘cleaning up’ as they would in the wilder countryside. 

Foxes and cats generally rub along together just fine in London, both species are skilled predators and they won’t risk an unnecessary fight and life-changing injuries. Anyone who has witnessed a cat fight will understand why foxes wouldn’t want to mess with those whirling claws. We get very few reports of fox attacks on cats in London, more often we hear of them being at ease with each other’s company.

It’s natural to seek understanding when a loved pet disappears, but let’s not switch the blame to foxes now the police have ruled out a human killer. The truth appears to lie much closer to home, in our own driveways and with the two and a half million cars licensed on London’s roads.