A 17 HMR should be safer and less prone to ricochet than a 40 gr 22 Long Rifle.
The trajectory for a 17HMR Hornaday 17 gr Bullet (Muzzle Velocity of 2550 fps) with a scope height of 1.5" sighted in for 125yds is 0.94" high at 75 yds, on at 125 and 1.22" low at 150 yds.
For shooting where noise may be a factor the Gamo Whisper Air Rifle .177 caliber is very quiet, per field testing.
You have a gun!!! The world is impressed with your tough guy anti cat stance. Will you be the Patton to lead us against this invasion of 7 lb. rodent hunters?
Thanks for the tips!