Here's a frightening thought: The cat ladies are right. Kitties (and their doggie counterparts) are companions, not pets, and calling them otherwise is just plain offensive.
According to a report published in the Journal of Animal Ethics, using "derogatory" terms such as "critters," "beasts," and — you guessed it — "pets" when referring to animals of any kind can affect the way they are treated.
Read more: Animal Academics: Using the Word ‘Pet’ Insults Your Pet, er, Companion - TIME NewsFeed
I propose that we change the name of the "Our Pets" section to "Our Companions" for the sake of their dignity!