Cats Must Be Kept Indoors for Safety

* Ginnie Ryder’s attempt to ease her conscience by writing a fantasy tale of “Kitten Instinct” is disturbing and disgusting (Orange County Voices, Jan. 24).

The kitten is dead because Ryder was negligent. Cats, like children, lack common sense. Cats are not outdoor animals. Cats have evolved completely dependent on humans for their care and protection.

Many cats escape the dangers of outdoor life for a while, but so do people who drive in an unsafe manner or play with guns. Cats must be kept indoors at all times. Most cats would like to get outside and test their instincts, but we as pet owners are responsible for their safety and welfare.

GENE P. MORRIS

Dove Canyon

* As owners and lovers of cats ourselves, we empathize over the loss of Ryder’s pet. However, there was no need to lose him in the first place. In coyote country, there should be no such thing as an indoor-outdoor cat.

The coyote, as predator, acts as the keystone species in coastal scrub country like Laguna Niguel. Coyotes make their living by eating whatever smaller animals cross their paths; therefore, they are instrumental in maintaining the ecological balance.

Responsible pet owners who choose to live in such an environment would not allow cats out at all, especially at night when predators are most active.

Also, studies have shown that indoor cats live longer, healthier and “happier” lives than those allowed outdoors. We wonder how “happy” the kitten was in the last few minutes of his “well-adjusted” life.

HEIDI BRESSLER-RIORDAN

Costa Mesa