I AM sure it is easy to become attached to a cat and to mourn its passing. But, as Vicky Willis writes (HAS, Oct 15), an animal that is allowed to roam the streets both day and night cannot be regarded as a domestic pet.

Also, your unnamed Darlington reader (HAS, Oct 15) criticises the car driver who failed to stop after killing Beverley Stout’s cat, Louie (HAS, Oct 12) and leaving the animal on the road. I would criticise Louie’s owner for allowing it to wander on the highway.

Trevor Harrison, Castleton, near Whitby, North Yorkshire.

RE your acid comment from Vicky Willis about the worth of animals (HAS, Oct 15) following Beverley Stout’s letter about her cat being killed by a car driver who failed to stop (HAS, Oct 12): if she were to know and have observed them, she would be aware that they have more wits, gumption and heart than a lot of questionable people.

They just aren’t programmed to avoid traffic. And we’re all here by the same chance.

Miss A Johnson, Darlington