All animals have innate senses of fight or flight when it comes to predators. I will trust a dog every time, when the hackles are up and the dog is on “alert” status. Cats are good at that, too, but we seldom walk cats. ;o]
Yes... Our cats are into self-guided walking. It's really indistinguishable from aimless wandering..
And they seem very much aware of the 'somethings' out there. The other night when we were hearing the wileys yipping in close proximity to the house, the outdoor cats (who were inside at the time) were hunkered down looking out the window with ears flat.
Sort of indicated they have had a closer unpleasant encounter and they remember.. And also why if they haven't come home at a reasonable hour I go out looking for them to enforce the curfew.
Unfortunately The Copy Cat was not totally 'ours' yet and she went out one morning and has not shown up since..
You know that in this state you can shoot those suckers on your property anytime? No season or bag limit... But you need a hunting license.
Or neighbors that don't hear anything.