Feral house cats and loose dogs are shot on site in the rural areas around here. For good reason.
That is not a feral housecat, it is a small cat that is wild by nature and a distinct species.
You probably don’t want to shoot those, right?
Is there a shortage of birds where you are that y’all are into shooting cats, or just no large wild predators?
In the rural area I live in, smart people don’t let their cats-or dogs-run loose because they will quickly become take-out for a mountain lion, coyotes-and the smallest dogs and cats are also easy prey for foxes and hawks-the same foxes and hawks that prey on birds and rodents. A loose dog’s owner is liable for a $500.00 fine and any damage the dog did to livestock, etc.
I have 3 cats-indoor, neutered pets, all shelter rescues. No rodent-or insect or lizard for that matter-gets past the part of the kitchen by the back door-and the cats expect to be paid in treats for performing that valuable service...