Broader adoption of keeping cats safe at home would have large benefits for cat welfare, human health, local wildlife and even the economy. So, should cat owners be required to keep their pets contained to their property?
The answer to the question is obviously “yes”.
"We need to genetically modify cats to only hunt introduced rats. " In my area foxes were hunting outdoor cats, so you hardly ever see one. Foxes got baited, and now cats are everywhere. Q is, what is better.
Foxes are also introduced, so I’d say cats everywhere are “better” because there’s half a chance their numbers can be reduced through requirements for owners to contain them.
Also, cats can be baited too if required. And, IMO, it is at the point where it’s required.