Of over 200 homes in my Coyote thick neighborhood, only 2 cats have survived 8 years.
They are particulary tough cats, but still, so are the Coyotes tough Dogs.
Why have they made it, and the other cats not?
I would imagine that it is more a matter of speed, smarts, sticking close to trees and having a good array of hidey-holes than toughness.
Unless, of course, the two cats in question are indoor only cats. 
Agreed - a cat will survive better by avoiding the battle than by trying to win it.
If, at random, 56% of the cats survive a year, then starting with 200 cats will leave you with 2 cats at the end of eight years. Nothing more than luck is necessary.
Would those two cats happen to be colored black, with a white stripe running down their back?
Can you tell I grew up watching Warner Brothers cartoons?
Yes, dead ringers for Pepe le’ Pew. Could that be it? Wish I could post pix, brillant white, dark black.