I WRITE with reference to letters about foxes killing cats (The Argus, June 12).

Several months ago, late at night, we heard a strange noise and went to the window to see what it was.

We could just make out an animal pinned against a garden wall over the road, with four others surrounding it.

My husband grabbed a walking stick and, as we approached, realised the animal against the wall was a cat and the other four were foxes; one adult and three cubs.

Fortunately, he managed to frighten the foxes away with the stick and the terrified cat escaped, but we think the adult was teaching the cubs to hunt.

We have nothing against foxes and often watch them playing in the field behind our house.

However, cat owners should do everything possible to ensure the safety of their cats, particularly at dusk.

Gill Lloyd, Grand Crescent, Rottingdean

IT IS not whether nature is good or bad – foxes are wild animals. They have to find food to survive, just as any animal will, even us.

They are amazing to watch and, yes, they smell a bit and will take anything that is vulnerable, but it is rare they will go for a cat, which is another predator with razor-sharp claws.

If they do take a couple of cats, it is nothing compared with what cats do to devastate our native wildlife population.

I have a cat, and what do I do to minimise the effect it has on wildlife and for his own safety?

I keep him in at night; such a simple solution. Come on, it’s time for a little pragmatism.

Daniel Bell, Harrington Villas, Brighton

I HAVE seen a fox chase a cat down like a lion would hunt down a gazelle in Africa.

Anyone who thinks foxes don’t regard cats as another meal are sadly mistaken.

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