100 years ago? Really? Why are you assuming I'm talking about the past? Educate yourself.
Also, here's a scientific study completely disproving your unfounded suppositions
Note that while domestic cats are unlikely to venture far, they don't need to, as native birds fly into residential neighbourhoods without issue. Regardless, they are between 10 and 100 times more effective at killing wildlife than a comparable predator such as a weasel or owl.