I don't like the killing, either, and I would try to prevent it whenever possible, but cats do have that instinct. I think there's advantages to keeping cats inside, as well as allowing them outside. I'm against declawing cats in either case. It may not prevent every kill, but how about putting a bell around your cat's neck?

I also want to point out that cats are not the only animal that kill for the pleasure of it, according to something a teacher of mine said once. She said minks are the only animal that kill for pleasure; but I think cats do it, too, so there's at least two animals that do it.

I try to avoid killing of any kind, too, even bugs. They're just trying to live their lives, and as long as I'm not facing an infestation or something, I try not to kill them.