Language can be used flexibly, word choice can be used to subtly emphasise an aspect. I think it's more permissible when it is used to emphasise that the cat a

Language can be used flexibly, word choice can be used to subtly emphasise an aspect. I think it's more permissible when it is used to emphasise that the cat as a living being is exercising agency in voluntary behaviour that they enjoy. (1) e.g. "Cats that shed" or "rocks that crumble" vs "Cats who fetch" and "people who sing". "Cats that shed" is definitely correct. "Cats who fetch" implies that the cat has agency and choice here, is in a small way "human-like". https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38405224 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=38405224