when we were children we always had cats. One in particular, Tibby, a jet black tom rather small as toms go, surprised us all one summers evening- we were all sitting on deckchairs in the garden, with Tibby apparently asleep by mum's feet. Then a sparrow flew between us, only about four feet off the ground. The 'sleeping' puss leapt into the air and pulled it down. The impact killed the poor bird, so although we relieved Tibby of his prize, it was a bit too late
Mike