There are a number of things you can do to prevent your small pet (cats, small dogs and other pets) from being attacked by a coyote:

1. Keep small pets indoors from dusk until dawn, or keep pets in a coyote-proof yard, area or cage from dusk until dawn.
2. Install a fence or convert your fence to prevent coyotes from entering your yard.
3. Feed your pets indoors. If you feed them outdoors, do it during the day; never leave pet food out at night.
4. Make sure trash is not left outside in bags, and that all trash cans have secure lids with locking mechanisms. Secure the cans to a fence or wall with rope or elastic cord so the trash cannot be tipped over.
5. Install motion sensitive lights in your back yard and around your house.
6. Don't leave fruit, berries or compost on the ground or uncovered.
7. Don't overflow bird feeders. Hang them high or in areas that are not accessible to coyotes.
8. NEVER feed coyotes.
9. You can install one or more 7 foot or higher posts with a platform at the top for cats to use as an escape from coyotes. The posts need to be made of a material that the cats can climb. When being chased by a predator, a cat can climb the post and sit on the platform until it is safe to descend.
10. Clear brush and vegetation to remove habitat for small animals that may attract coyotes and to remove areas where coyotes can hide while stalking their prey.
11. Always keep pets on a leash when walking in parks or residential areas.
12. Additional information on living with coyotes