I am absolutely against MORE killing. This will not even begin to address far more serious problems for birds, including removal of their habitat, climate change, the lights and tall buildings of the city..... The fact is that feral cats and birds are wild animals; they are part of the food chain. While some birds will no doubt be eaten by cats, these birds are also eaten by the Cooper's Hawk in my yard, the Red Tailed Hawk I see on occasion and other animals. Should we be trying to kill them, also? And should we be trying to eliminate the domestic cats that roam the neighborhood? (Bad idea to let cats outdoors, but that's another discussion) Let's not simplify a complex issue by killing. That seems to be the American way, however. It's simpler than thinking it through to a more compassionate and ultimately more effective strategy, which would be TNR, educating people about spaying and neutering and keeping cats indoors, and taking care of the environment that the birds need to survive.

I agree with Vicky. I am neither a bird nor a cat lover, but the title of this article shocked me. The solution that is being suggested sounds just as ghastly as the problem itself.

Why kill the cats? They are only trying to survive! The birds eat worms and bugs, so should we kill the birds to save the worms and bugs? As previously stated, it is nature. No animal is any less important than another! With TNR, the feral cat population is completely controlled. By the way, feral cats wouldn't exist if it weren't for human owners who don't neuter their cats and who let them go outdoors where they mate and have unwanted litters.

Kind of crazy to be worrying about killing cats that are trying to catch a meal. Maybe it would be easier to adopt them and feed them so they kill less birds. It is only natural for them to hunt. If you let your own house cat out do you really think it would not chase birds?? Would you then agree to have your family pet killed??

The extremist position of killing feral cats is unwarranted! Let the current population control methods continue which will continue to protect more birds over time. - Author Janette at http://www.indefenseofcats.com/Cat-Book.html

My guess is local coyotes will affect the cat population. Also, to the extent that the feral cats may be eating rodents, rats etc. that may be a good thing. Complicated issue. What is the estimated feral cat population?

I hold a certificate in Ornithology and love birds, but I'm against killing feral cats. They are just trying to survive like any other wild animal. I also believe allowing domestic cats to to roam freely should be prohibited. It's bad for the cat and the birds.

Killing feral cats would be extremely inhumane; in addition, many studies have shown that killing feral cats DOES NOT curtail the feral cat population, since there are always more that breed. The best solution to the feral cat problem is TNR -- trap, neuter, return. The cats don't reproduce and can live healthy lives in managed colonies where they are fed and given shelter. Yes, cats will catch birds, they are predators and that's how nature created them. Are you also in favor of killing lions because they catch, kill and eat antelopes? Besides, a number of studies have shown that the figures in the notorious Smithsonian study that started all this talk about cats being bird murderers are scientifically inaccurate and the numbers inflated. As Stan above says, keep domestic cats indoors; manage feral colonies. That's the way to allow the balance of nature to return to a healthy level.

Where are the feral cats. I have been in Evanston for about 2 years and have yet to see one stray, and I walk and jog alot around the area.

I agree with Pauline that killing feral cats is inhumane and recommend TNR as a solution. If people with domestic cats must let them outdoors, putting a bell on the cat's collar helps warn birds that a predator is near.

Through urban sprawl, humans have taken away much of the habitats that wild animals (feral cats, coyotes, raccoons, possums and other creatures) called home. Then humans have the audacity to squawk when these animals look for food and shelter in our communities. We must learn to peacefully coexist with nature.