> but this is part of why letting cats out is cruel. Because they might die relatively quickly and painlessly at some point? How is that cruel? Given the choi

> but this is part of why letting cats out is cruel. Because they might die relatively quickly and painlessly at some point? How is that cruel? Given the choice, cats always prefer to go outside, even after being exposed to hostile animals outside. Presumably their walnut brains have evolved heuristics w.r.t. the utility of being eaten. Plus, I think I'd rather be killed by a dog than slowly grow arthritic, tumorous, and blind until I can't eat anymore and I have to be taken to that place I hate so they can stick a needle in me and kill me. If that's "what pets are supposed to experience in the modern era" then I want none of it. I've had a number of cats, and the outdoor ones don't usually live as long as the indoor ones, but they seem a lot happier about it. Live fast, die young.