Beverley Lear and some Osney Island residents do a grave disservice to birds by using them as an excuse to whip up prejudice against cats (Oxford Mail, May 5).

Cats and birds are part of the natural world. It is not the cats' fault that they were introduced to Osney Island.

No doubt, though wrongly, Ms Lear would like to instil guilt in cat owners for owning their pets.

DAVID SCOTT

Bayswater Road, Barton, Oxford