I seem to have put the cat among the pigeons with my letter in praise of cats (Oxford Mail, April 1). After four replies, I feel I must respond.

I did not call them "free spirits" although thinking about it, I suppose that is a good name for them.

Secondly, regarding digging up cat poo in the garden, I use a fork and spade and wear disposable gloves. I don't think I have ever dug the garden with bare hands.

As for noise from cats, I recall neighbours who had a dog which continually barked when outside and whined loudly all evening while they were out.

As regards disease caused by cats, I looked up toxocara and it said: "Toxocariasis is caused by larvae of Toxocara canis (dog roundworm) and less frequently by Toxocara cati (cat roundworm)."

It also states that animals should be wormed regularly and children should be taught to wash their hands after playing in the garden.

Apparently, it is quite a difficult disease to catch and usually causes just mild flu-like symptoms.

Thirdly, my cats (which we love very much, although they are only 'moggies') are both neutered, kept in at night and use a litter tray indoors or my garden.

I was brought up to respect other people's property and I hope I do.

Lastly, I agree with Gillian Whitty (Oxford Mail, April 17) that dog owners need training to pick up after their dogs.

I am not, as you may think, a dog hater.

I like all animals and am opposed to drug testing on animals, but that is another subject for another day.

Judging by the tone of some of the letters, I'm beginning to think I prefer animals to humans!

Linda King, Cowley, Oxford