I read with interest the recent comments people have made concerning cats
and their hunting behaviors. I have had cats all my life (as well as dogs)
and presently have a 7 year old spayed female cat named Chancey. We picked
up Chancey at the Animal Shelter when she was about two years old -
considered an adult cat I would assume. We live on a one acre lot with
mostly pasture grass and not many trees unfortunately. The point I'm trying
to make is when we first got the cat, we would let her outside quite a bit.
She was a quite adept hunter and began bringing home a good many voles,
mice, as well as birds.

Perhaps most people don't realize this but cats must be taught to hunt to be
successful at it. All cats have the instinct to stalk but unless they have
been taught by an experienced hunter, their chance at catching something is
diminished. My cat must have had a very good teacher!

I quickly realized that it was quite hypocritical to put out bird feeders
and bird baths to attract wildlife and let my cat out unsupervised at the
same time. Chancey has been an indoor cat for many years now and I haven't
noticed any change in her behavior. The vets I have talked to all agree
with keeping cats indoors for their own protection as well - there is
nothing more nasty or infectious (leukemia, kitty aids, etc.) to a cat than
a cat bite! It's not like our cat never smells fresh air - whenever we are
outside doing something, we'll let the cat out and just keep an eye on her.
She gets her mouthfuls of grass and does a little investigating as well.
We also provide her exercise in the house with kitty toys and such. She is
not a fat slothful cat but seems to have a lot of energy.

When we first moved to this house, we would have pheasants, quail, and other
ground dwelling birds in our neighborhood. But in the last few years, an
influx of outdoor cats and dogs let loose to roam night and day have joined
the neighborhood and I haven't seen a quail or pheasant in a long time.

I apologize for my rambling but I think it is possible for cat lovers ( and
dog lovers), as I am, to co-exist with our native wildlife. I would urge
all pet owners to consider making some adjustments in their pets
environment. I think you will be pleasantly surprised to see how adaptable
our pets can be and still be content. After all, they still get a good
bowl of food and our love and affection which is what's most important of
all!