Do free-roaming cats have a significant impact on bird populations? Opinions
range widely on this subject, and everyone is free to form -- indeed, should
form -- his or her own opinion, based on the available evidence.

A great deal of research has gone into this topic. One good source of
information is the "Birds and Cats" page on the American Bird Conservancy's
website:

http://www.abcbirds.org/cats/

This pages offers links to many other useful websites; downloads of studies
that have been conducted in various states; information about policies and
regulations concerning free-roaming cats from many municipalities and other
jurisdictions; recommendations from humane societies, veterinarians, and
other concerned parties; and much more. It is an excellent place to start
getting up to speed on the subject.

Hal Opperman
Medina, Washington
hal at catharus.net