Yeah, they totally get it. We’d eat them if we were hungry enough, same as they’d eat us. This doesn’t conflict with our feelings of love and companionship. We’re all animals here
There has been cases in the past of cats eating their owners after the owner died and nobody fed them. They do what they need to survive and I would not begrudge any animal for that. Sure it may be horrendous to see, but I'm dead so what do I care.
Do also note that dogs have been known to do the same. Cats have a lower threshold for that and are more likely to do it in general, but they do tend to wait until they're literally starving before eating a friend.
Another fun fact about cats is that they are more likely to go feral because they have not been domesticated as long as dogs. Dogs and cats basically domesticated themselves to get food, but cats only began domestication 12k years ago which is not long considering the history of humans.
I sure would eat my cat if I am hungry enough, but I am never hungry enough so I don't eat my cat nor any other animal. There are plenty of other things to eat that don't involve killing animals.
It lines up exactly with other vegan talking points like that "Where do you draw the line" billboard so pretty good chance that's what they're going for.
Cats are prey to some larger animals, and considering that many humans have portable machines that can instantly kill almost any living mammal, their concern about our diet is probably valid
Cats are pretty famous for "not giving a fuck", just in general. Also, beyond being obligate carnivores, cats will hunt and kill out of instinct... Not even hunger or necessity.
Like, a pet mouse or something? Gerbil? Actually a guinea pig would be a great choice for the comic since they ARE food in some cultures.