Question

You've probably seen news reports about the couple who fed their cat a vegetarian diet. Although I believe in individual rights, this couple took things too far. Cats are natural carnivores, which means they only eat meat. By changing this necessary part of a cat's diet, the couple caused serious health problems for the animal. Yes, it's true that meat-based commercial cat food can be expensive, but responsible pet owners must consider the costs before adopting a cat. Personal preferences about food should stay personal and not be inflicted on animals.
How would the author best respond to a counterclaim that raising animals to be used as cat food is cruel?


A. By showing how pet owners can save money on cat food

B. By explaining that without commercial cat food, farmers would lose their jobs C. By illustrating how animals in the wild are often carnivores

D. By suggesting that cats be allowed to hunt for their own food

Answer 1

Answer:

I believe the best response to a counterclaim that raising animals to be used as cat food is cruel is:

C. By illustrating how animals in the wild are often carnivores.

Explanation:

The author is defending that human owners should not impose a vegan diet on their cats, since cats are naturally carnivores. That means their bodies truly need meat to function properly, and imposing a different diet causes health problems, which is basically cruelty.

People may present as a counterclaim the idea that raising animals to be used as cat food is cruel. That's a valid notion, but the author could easily respond to it by keeping to his explanation of what is and isn't natural. Before being domesticated, cats lived in the wild. Therefore, they hunted and killed other animals to feed themselves. Now that they have been domesticated, they depend on their owners to be fed. Since they are still carnivores - that hasn't changed - it is the owners obligation to provide them with what they need. Cats that have owners do not go out to hunt for their own food. They count on their owners to feed them. So, even if it sounds cruel, it is up to us humans to make the cat food that will serve its purpose properly by having meat in it.