Tweeters:

In the past 3-4 weeks two of my father-in-laws cats have disappeared on Vashon
Island, compared with none in the previous 20-plus years.

Birds are being blamed, because one disappeared one night, last seen just
before and in close proximity to where my father-in-law heard a large bird
flopping around in tall fir or cedar. He suspects the bird grabbed the cat,
took it into the trees and was struggling with the weight. Because it was
dark, he could not see the bird, just heard it. Didn't notice the cat had
disappeared at the time. When second cat disappeared about a week later, when
that particular cat had survived the woods for eight years, suspicion
hardened.

My question: Does anyone know what kind of bird would/could kill cats? Both
cats were fairly large. Suspect bird was hunting at night, suggesting an owl.
But are there any owls large enough to attack, kill, and eat an adult cat?
Property is mostly wooded, with primarily cedar, also fir and hemlock, few
madrona and alder mixed in. Occasionally grass clearings.

I've told him I don't think a bird is responsible, but would appreciate
comments.

Thanks,
Eric Stahlfeld
Burien, WA
StahlfeldE at aol.com