In my ten years of dealing with cat rescue I’ve learnt a few things about being human. Cats may not be human, but their caretakers are, and their relationships with their cats tells us plenty. It’s not that long ago that euthanising homeless cats was common and acceptable. While the practice isn’t gone, it’s much less prevalent, and an increasing number of shelters wear their ‘no kill’ badge with honor. The anti euthanasia movement doesn’t just make us more compassionate. It changes our relationship with non-human animals in a way that makes us more human, hopefully improving our relationship with our fellow humans. I used to hunt; I got over it because I no longer wanted that relationship with fellow creatures. The next logical step is no longer having other humans act as my proxy in killing our food. I’m not suggesting that we all become vegetarians. That’s no more in our DNA than it’s in a lion’s. But perhaps raising animals to eat their flesh is a little creepy.

The French author and philosopher Michel Houlbecq has written concerning the increasing acceptability of human euthanasia, that it is part of the self euthanasia of the West. Whether that’s true or not, the acceptability of this practice is making us less human. Of course we should have a more ‘humane’ course to end human suffering, but Houlbecq notes what some of us understand. The next step after the acceptability of ending human suffering is accepting euthanasia to end “suffering” due to deep depression. Some western societies already condone this. But the acceptance of human euthanasia, however merciful it may seem, changes our relationship with other humans in what should be an uncomfortable way.

In working with cats in the field I’ve learnt that some people will discard unwanted kittens by the roadside. I’ve encountered very friendly cats in my colonies that have clearly been dumped. It’s simpler than taking them to a shelter. But this practice is barbaric. If you’re responsible for an animal you should have the decency to treat it as well as you want to be treated.