I think I may have made Rankin a monster, or at least a high rankin’ cat mobster (see what I did there?) Because historically, the cat in that cage that just took the fall has no bright future. Shouldn’t have crossed Lord Rankin.
But being a cat lover, that really messes me up. So I prefer to think Rankin is perfectly capable of arranging to spring this kitty from the shelter whenever he wants.
As another cat lover, I agree that they are mini-mobsters in relation to most other creatures (and among themselves). That mobster aspect helps explain the ups and downs in their relationship with our species over the ages, from food to gods to demons to useful pests to pets to whatever happens next.
Also and not to screw up your plot line, that could suggest this development: Rankin offers an “incentive” to other cat to let itself be captured with the proviso that Rankin also frees other cat before anything happens involving blades or needles. Other cat agrees for… reasons… but STILL has to deal with a period of time in a *hiss*spit* CAGE.
The SPCA was created to help animals. They won’t be so casual as to kill a cat showing now symptoms. It may get a free shot and an unwanted operation before being given a new home though. The promotion from stray to house cat, or even barn mouser, is considered a step up by most cats.