Regarding the article on a new book about cats (Kitty confidential: 13 secret signals all cat owners need to know – from a quivering tail to aeroplane ears, 1 June), yes, they are “solitary predators”, which is why they should not be kept irresponsibly by so many people. An “outdoor” cat constantly left alone by working neighbours has just decimated fledglings emerging from a blue tit nesting box. We watched their parents diligently nurture them throughout spring and it was heartbreaking to see their anguish amid the carnage. We have long protested in vain to local cat owners about their mess and destruction in what we want to be a haven for wildlife and people.
I have given up hope that the authorities will regulate felines better. It is time for animal welfare organisations to come together to initiate a cat owners’ charter so that all who take them on can learn to respect what others care about too – and help protect our spaces and species.
Clive Needle
Rowhedge, Essex
• Dr Harpreet Kohli (Letters, 2 June) should realise that dogs are workers, cats are management.
John Ashby
Oxford
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