I used to live on Long Island, NY. Now live in the Atlanta area. My neighbor puts his cat on a tether in his backyard. He has a Maine Coon. I think the harness idea mentioned is a good idea. You probably have a lot of traffic where you live so I'd be worried too. I don't know which states you're allowed to shoot pets on private property, but I'm glad your not allowed to here in Ga.!! It's bad enough we had to deal with Michael Vick and his dogfighting business. I hope he rots in jail!