this post was submitted on 30 Jan 2026
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I don't disagree that there is mutual benefit from pet ownership, but I believe animals should be left to their own free will.
I love cats, but they would roam outside if we let them. Cats then decimate bird, small mammal, and pollinator populations.
I don't judge those that own pets in a negative light at all BTW. In fact when I visit friends I typically devote a majority of my time loving on their pets. I just think it's important to remember that we're forcing these animals into situations they didn't advocate for. At least to me it is unethical.
And cats already exist, in huge numbers. So the alternative is to euthanize them or keep them as indoor pets (obviously neutered / spayed just in case, and so they don't piss everywhere lol).
So... pet ownership seems like the best choice of the 3 options to me. It may not be the cat's preferred option in all circumstances, but in a net-good sense, it's the best choice.
5 gallon bucket. Just add water.
Isn't that just convenient.
...I guess?
Not to draw the comparison, maybe a bit, but I imagine a similar conversation was held about slaves back in the day.
I don't think slave owners cared about the environment much, idk what you're saying