Editorial Denverpost.com

Protect your feline friends

As it turns out, deranged humans are not responsible for the rash of "cat
mutilations" reported in the metro area over the past year. The blame most
likely can be placed on foxes. Natural predators such as coyotes, dogs and
birds are possibilities as well.

But while pinning the cause of the cat deaths on predators may make us
feel a bit better about the human condition, it doesn't change the message
to feline fanciers - keep your pets inside.

Not only will keeping cats indoors prevent them from being killed by other
animals, the furry companions will not use other people's flower beds as
their litter boxes, which stinks up the neighborhood, or scratch dogs and
other pets, which can cause infection, or even blindness if done to the eyes.

We understand it is agonizing when a beloved family pet is killed,
whatever the cause. But at least we know that the cats in question died as
part of the natural cycle of life and were not sacrificed in some satanic
ritual, or killed out of sheer meanness.

Still, pets are domesticated animals that should have the protection of
their owners and not necessarily be a part of the food chain. Pet owners
must be responsible, especially with cats. Allowing them to roam the
neighborhood is inhumane because it places the animal's life in danger -
primarily from traffic and the risk of disease, as well as the rare predator.

The drought, population growth and exurban sprawl means wild animals are
increasingly having more contact with pets as well as humans. No one can
blame the predators, who are, after, all, only doing what comes naturally.
That's why pet owners and homeowners must take precautions to protect
their companions from wildlife - just as they are careful about how they
store garbage and food in areas where hungry wildlife are likely to be found.