@ Nirvana - I did screen very carefully and tried to place locally or at least regionally so that if necessary I wouldn't be getting into travel issues. Careful screening really did the trick. Once or twice I declined a sale at the last moment when the buyers arrived and it was clear this was not going to be a suitable placement (that was in my contract too).
@foot - did you and your cats shake on your strict agreement?
Didn't you have any kibbleheads who just chowed down on that stuff despite hunting? I've found that some cats love kibble more than fresh food. I agree about the mice completely - cats are the best solution!