We got our first two cats when I lived in Nebraska from 93 to 98 and having never been a cat owner, they were allowed to go outside as they wished - we lived out more in the country. However, they did kill some birds - just climbed the tree and took baby birds from their nest
I know, not good, but this is what cats do; they are not being bad, but I did not want them
killing birds either.
And yes Michael, cats hunt during the day also.
However, I agree with Emilie and it is proven that cats will live a longer life being kept indoors. I had to make more than enough trips to the vet because of fights my cats had gotten into with other roaming cats which would often result in a bite wound to the neck. Then take into the fact that cats often get hit by cars; plus the numerous viruses that cats can pick up from other animals, etc; and the possibility of the cat being eaten by something bigger.
My one cat that is still with me at 12 1/2 years loved to bring home small snakes, mice and birds for me at that time - I did not appreciate it. And he made a point of visiting other neighbors - one time getting stuck up on someones roof for the night and meowing the entire night while the woman was trying to sleep(oh Michael would have been happy about that) and other adventures where he would be out all night and me up worrying about where he was.
Anyway, in 98 when we moved to Wisconsin, my two cats at that time became indoor cats. Of course, they packed on a few extra pounds because of this. I do keep them inside for their safety and health as we are in a much busier city now and I don't want to risk anything bad happening to them.
Just a couple of years ago Wisconsin wanted to pass a law that would allow anyone to shoot a cat that roamed onto their property
(to protect the birds) - people were outraged by this and of course, this law never passed - and Wisconsin was being ridiculed and I think the person who came up with this suggestion and was trying to get the law passed got plenty of hate mail.