Melissa - I am very sorry to hear about your cat - it is never easy losing an animal, especially when they are very close with the family's children.

I do agree however that cats should be put on a leash when outside just like a dog or other animals. My parents lived near a road and if they had not had their cat on a leash it could have been hit many times over.

My dog was in a fenced in area, however one day decided to chase an animal into the woods and after looking for him for two days, I found him lying along the road curled up in a ball like he normally lay while resting. My heart broke and I can't bring myself to get another dog to this day and that's been over 5 years ago! My ex blamed me over and over for his death - I just couldn't stop him from tearing off into the woods.

I now live in the city and let me tell you cats are a problem. My young son has a sand box and I diligently have to make sure the lid is on it as the neighborhood cats use it for a litter box. Not to mention the spraying in the area that stinks to high heaven or the whining when they are in heat.

Also for those who have dogs in the area, they do make a doggie disposal for backyards where you can deposit the waste instead of leaving in your yard everywhere so when the wind catches it, your neighbors about gag to death.

Melissa, again I am sorry about your cat, but if you get another, please keep it on a leash. I hear so many people complaining about the loose animals and they eventually just take it into their own hands as far as how to aleviate the problem.