Until very recently, a surprising number of Canadians thought of cats essentially as disposable animals -- useful in a limited way to people with rodent problems, but otherwise not valued. A good mouser would be tolerated, but just barely. Organized cat fancy is quite a modern phenomenon, and until very recently focussed on exotic types, Siameses and the like, rather than the local rat-bashers.

I think many of our attitudes toward the much-loved moggies in our lives are affected by those centuries of disdain. We assume, first of all, that cats are not trainable. Next, we think of cats as capable enough to take care of themselves to the extent that we just let them out and assume they will be okay.

It isn't just the songbirds and shy woodland creatures who deserve protection -- the cats do, too!

It's nice to see you back on the board, Raptor. How's it goin', eh?