[redwitch]

Having come from NoCal, where coyotes are extremely aggressive due to lack of food and water, I have a healthy respect for them. Howver, it seems that when food is plentiful, they do their best to avoid humans. That they would attack an animal where the human scent is strong, such as a lanai is surprising given the abundance of wildlife (rabbits and squirrels, etc.) is surprising. Not beyond the realm of possibility but definitely surprising. I would guess a bobcat to be a more likely culprit. They're pretty fearless.

BTW, for those who don't know it, it is very easy for a spooked cat to run right through a screen. Have seen it happen in TV. Once with the owner right there (vac was turned and the cat bolted right through the lanai screen). So, please don't think your cat is safe out there even if no wild animals have been spotted in your neighborhood.

I can't imagine how badly I would feel if I lost two cats from my lanai. I think I'd be looking for a new house far away from any open space. My sympathies.