I live less than a mile from the Skagit River, here in WA State. It is one of THE largest bald eagle habitats in the world. I actually have a nest in a tree at the bottom of my field. If the cats go down into the field looking for mice, they usually do not last long...eagles, hawks, falcons, coyote and cougars all freely roam the area. I have one cat that has lived here for over 10 years...but she does not go down into the field anymore, and she has her battle scars...the tops of both ears are missing.
I love cats, but I try not to get too attached to them anymore...as soon as I do, they disappear. Dogs are a bit more durable in these parts.
Lisa