The Stray Cat decoy was designed to "trigger" a response by "playing" on one or more of a coyote's behavioral characteristics (instincts) NOT just a prey in distress as w most other decoys.
It plays on ALL of the following: Curiosity, Hunger, Aggressiveness, Territorial, Competition
Basically, it forces the coyote(s) to show itself. When calling here in the north east, coyotes tend to come right to the wood line and observe. They do not like to expose themselves to open areas (until under the cover of darkness). I have seen this happen multiple times. This is why it was created. The unique motion of the stray cat mimics a realistic tail. The coyote DOES NOT KNOW if the "tail" is the meal, or if the "tail" has caught a potential meal and is taking it from the coyote, or if the tail is another animal infringing on its territory. We have had coyotes respond by attacking the decoy, belly crawl and stalk it, aggressively posture the decoy by hunching up, and simply come up to the decoy and stare at it. All you want is for the coyote to react and show himself, thereby increasing your odds at getting a shot. Obviously, the decoy is having the same effect in the Western states as is evident by what Tony is seeing. The big advantage, is the decoy's ability to work in ANY hunting scenario. You can use it upright w the built in tripod or hang it in a bush or limb, or just lay it in a brush pile. It works at any angle. Either way, you get realistic looking motion and play the set up to your strength.