The Evil of the Outdoor Cat - New York Times (March 23.2014)

I have many friends who do not let their cats outside and I completely understand their fears and rationale for keeping their cats inside. My cat adopted me, was probably feral before I adopted her and insists on going outside. She tears out the screens if I don't let her out. In an effort to find a compromise between her need for freedom and my need for safety - I only let my cat out after it gets dark. This minimizes her exposure to traffic and dogs and also protects wildlife like birds who are not nocturnal.