Thread: Going outside-an ongoing dilemma

Until recently I've always lived in a place where my cats could go outside. Our house is on a busy cut-through street that is right off a main road. In addition to the heavy traffic, there is an ever-expanding feral cat colony. I have one tomcat that frequents our backyard, a giant orange and white boy-biggest cat I've ever seen. He sits on the fence and murders baby birds in the hedges at night. Many a peaceful evening is interrupted by the howls of other toms and screams of their female victims. Because of these issues, I haven't allowed my cats outside unless I'm right with them, and only for a few steps around the yard. I feel terrible keeping them inside all the time and I know they enjoy getting sunshine and fresh air, but it's just not safe out there! What would you do?