Coyotes, Cats and Al Martinez

In his column on Sept. 9, Al Martinez expressed his favoritism for coyotes over cats. Personally, I am not much of a cat fan either. They rate somewhere between having a tooth extracted and waiting in the express lane at Ralph’s.

What I don’t understand, however, is his criterion for disliking cats more than coyotes. He wrote, “Cats contribute very little. They do not meow at intruders, they are not especially loyal, they rarely come when called and their howling is sure as hell not melodic.” True. Then again, the same can be said about infants. Remind me to never hire him as a baby sitter. At least a cat can find the litter box.

I suppose Al has a pack of loyal coyotes which chase “cat” burglars, fetch his slippers, sit, heel and come on command.

C’mon, Al! Cats do help control rodents and have even been known to awaken occupants in a burning home--probably to save themselves but what the heck. Besides, when was the last time you saw a child find joy in holding a coyote?

DOUG ZABILSKI

Woodland Hills