Yes, the article makes it sound as though the bibs don't inhibit anything other than the final pounce. I am a little worried about the bib keeping their collars from "breaking away" if they get caught on a branch, but I'm sure I can put the bib on so that the collar works properly. It sounds as though they could still climb, which is important in case they have to get away from a dog. They aren't very expensive, either.
I can certainly see why your cat can't go outside. Mine go out and I whistle for them every couple of hours and go looking if they don't come. Not completely safe, but so far no big problems other than bird catching. We don't have a lot of traffic, but all it takes is one car. They do kill mice and baby rabbits which is sad but good because there are no other predators. I guess if we noticed too many mice coming in we could take the bibs off for awhile.
There really is quite a movement among bird-lovers to keep cats indoors. I understand their concern and share it because I love birds as well. If cat owners can take the responsibility upon themselves to do something about the problem, then there is less likely to be a serious backlash against cats. There was a proposed leash law for cats in our town which did not pass, but many people are seriously unhappy with bird-catching behavior. When you consider the number of cats outdoors, two or three birds a month (about what my cats catch) adds up to many, many songbirds.
I'll have to show my cats a picture of what they
could be wearing
.
Diligentia maximum etiam mediocris ingeni subsidium. ~ Diligence is a very great help even to a mediocre intelligence.----Seneca