crc, Not sure what type of domestic cats ya'll have down there in TX, and I was born there. But my cats (5) run any and all Raccoons, Opossums, Dogs, and other cats off of my deck and out of the yard. To date since early May they have also brought in 15 or 20 dead Copperheads that they have killed (much to my chagrin leaving them on the porchmat as presents). What is funny is to watch the deer run the cats off, or a fawn playing tag with one! (yes, it actually happens) LOL
For the record all of my cats are spayed and neutered. They stay in the yard and on the porch too(inside at night) are well cared for and fed. [8D]