I agree with Deb about the difference between a rural setting and an urban setting for an outside cat.
Scamp does not go after birds. In fact, he is quite entertained by them. When the quail come down from the junipers up on the slope to feed on the house pad level, he is usually perched up on the roof watching. He never comes down and goes after any of the birds even when they bring their young down to the garden.
I've seen him watching the birds at the bird bath during the summer months and, again, he just watches.
However, although Scamp is a small cat ... about 5 lbs ... I have seen him stalking deer. He has this silly idea that he is a cougar in disguise.
I also don't think he suffers at all being an outside cat. He's not skinny even tho' I don't put out enough food for one to consider him fed. Like Deb, I haven't had many problems with rodents since Scamp came to live here.
Rick, I love your stories about your cat ..
Smiles,
Lyn
