One does not have to live in Eldorado long to realize that we are not alone. And although I have yet to spot an alien, we are most certainly surrounded by predators. Two of the most successful predators in North America are common inhabitants of our quiet little community. So why does your friendly neighborhood veterinarian stretch his field of expertise to discuss these adept killers? In a word: cats.

Cat owners have long known about the dangers that lurk in the dark. The most common cause of early demise in Eldorado is not the automobile, leukemia virus, or alien abduction. The majority of cats who are out at night eventually enter the food chain as victims of these predators.

The coyote (Canis latrans) is a remarkable animal. Cunning and intelligent, he lives among us and thrives. Intelligence and adaptability are what make the coyote a successful hunter. With no standard technique of hunting, the coyote uses whatever works. When prey is plentiful he may hunt alone - if game is scarce he may hunt larger prey in a pack. Rabbits and rodents make up the bulk of the Eldorado coyote's diet. But as many here are painfully aware, he is a very successful predator of our domestic felines. The majority of my clients whose cats go (read: went) outside eventually lose these pets.

How these wily creatures are so effective is fascinating. I suspect that the coyote stakes out a cat's house. He quickly learns habits and tendencies. Then he waits, quietly and patiently. Most cats are killed extremely quickly as there is rarely the sound of a struggle, no sign of a chase, no fur, no blood, and no cat.

The Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus) is one of the largest and fiercest raptors in the world. With a wing span of over 5 feet and excellent night vision, she silently patrols the twilight. The Great Horned Owl (GHO) hunts by perching and using her vision and exceptional hearing to locate unsuspecting prey. Her feathers have this neat fringe which allows her to swoop down on her target without making a sound - cool, huh?

The prey of this magnificent bird is similar to the coyote but on a smaller scale. The owls in Eldorado feed primarily on rodents. There are well documented reports of the GHO taking larger prey, even small dogs. They will occasionally go after a skunk. (Obviously their sense of smell is not as acute as their sight and hearing.)

How many cats have actually been taken by these winged predators? I suspect very few. Small cats and kittens would certainly be at risk, but a full grown cat's size (especially when you consider that most of the cats I see need to go on a diet) and the fight of a cat combine to make a rat a preferred meal.

So, in my semi-professional opinion, the coyotes (or possibly aliens) are responsible for the lack of stray cats in Eldorado. (I may hear from the militant "owls kill cats" faction, but I welcome their input.) As I have said many times, "it's a jungle out there," and allowing your cat to go out, especially at night, puts your pet in their world.

Dr. T. Murt Byrne