Capitol Hill coyotes defeat cats in season opener

Maybe I’m just a little sensitive because the “Adoption Day” anniversary for our cats is coming up and I’ve been thinking about how important they are to me.

Turning the killing of a much loved cat into a punchy “sports metaphor” headline seems callous in the extreme. I only hope that the family who loved and cared for Jack never see the headline on this post.

~GC
P.s. I'm not quoting the post title here in the hope that it will be reconsidered and redacted.

I agree with the previous comment. The headline/title is insensitive and stupid. General people-skills tip: you're talking the painful death of a beloved pet, don't get cute. It shows a lack of thoughtfulness and tact that's kind of disturbing.
Shanti

Am sorry the head line was so insensitive - and agree with the above comments. But there is also an issue this post brings up that's worth naming - the importance of keeping our much-loved felines indoors and safe!

I agree that the title was insensitive, but I get your point in waking pet owners up to the reality that coyotes do live in the neighborhood. I think about it every time I see a "lost cat" poster.

Here's the thing, the cats have this coming. How many times have I seen them creeping up on squirrels, bird, and small children? If cats are left outside to meander and hunt to their leisure, it's only fair that a couple of them get taken out by another "natural" source. Realize we live in a dense city, but I think it's cool when a wild animal like a coyote is able to survive and strike back.

jesse, that's horrible. even if you don't like cats think of the people who love the cats. strike back, good lord. how would you like it if a bigger stronger animal "struck back" on you?

please!!!

This shouldn't be seen as good or bad (perhaps sad for the cat owners), but natural. I agree that coyotes surviving in a city is pretty incredible...and they are doing what they need to survive...eating. People are too distanced from the way things actually work. Be glad some of the real world is live around us.

-m

I have a cat named Einstien. Every time she goes out I say a little prayer for her. I imagine her in a gutter crawling along after being run over by a car or I see her in the bushes being jumped on by a coyote, but every time she slides out the door I feel close to her and wish her the best. I think that is about all we can do for the urban cat. I agree with m.

Sorry folks, but coyotes in the city is not a natural situation. We do not allow their natural preditors within our city limits, so they have none! We don't even allow packs of dogs to run wild - I don't get why we are allowing coyotes scavenge for our pets. There is no logic to the equation. A smart cat or small dog knows how to stay away from cars and raccoons but they don't stand a chance with a couple (or more!) coyotes. Why are we giving them priority over beloved family members? Are we committed to keeping our windows & doors closed on hot summer days/nights? putting 6' fences around each house? The city officials are being short-sited whimps. The coyotes are here to stay, but they need to be threatened (as they are in the wild) or they will lose their fear of humans. Once a child is hurt (Two in Bellevue '07) we will wish the problem was tackled a little sooner.