I live on a block near the train station. I'm writing to let your readers know about all the cats that have vanished from our street. Since April, most of the outdoor cats have disappeared, including people's pets who were allowed outside and the regular crew of strays who wandered through the backyards. We wonder what happened to them and find their disappearance worrisome. Were they taken in by well-meaning individuals or snatched off the street for sinister purposes? We doubt they were run over by cars - there are no bodies to be found.

The boy across the street is heartbroken over his missing black-and white tabby; we miss the plump calico who sunned himself on the roof of our garage and the black cat who pressed his nose to our screen door to peek in. These are just a few, there are more.

The police were notified, but missing cats are not considered a legitimate problem. Does anyone know what happened to them? Are other cats missing under similar, strange circumstances? Please be vigilant. If you let your own cat outside, try to use caution.

Maz Troppe