My cat was born of feral parents and I just can't keep her inside all the time. She loves to hunt. I have the same worries. A hawk, owl, or coyote could whisk her off. She 2.5 but only weighs 7.5 pounds.

When she's crying at the door to go out, I give in. She's a cat. Why not keep her happy? If she dies as another animals dinner that is the chain of life.

That may sound harsh but in the big picture I feel it's OK.