.22 is definately the right choice. a .22 will kill any dog (yote) or cat (bob cat) around with no trouble at all. ihave killed hogs with a .22 long rifle here in central florida with no problem and they are WAY tougher than any dog or cat. .22's get bad raps from people who consistantly believe bigger is better. there has probably been more deer killed (by poachers)with a .22 than any other caliber on this continent and once again, deer are tougher than cats and dogs. the only draw back to a .22 is accuracy at the longer ranges.