See http://www2.tbo.com/content/2007/dec/27/st-pete-man-used-hammer-kill-cat-police-say/

Options:

1. Call Animal Control
2. Call SPCA
3. Call Police
4. Try to find owner
5. Drop off at vet and scram (there is a 24 hour vet 3 blocks from this genius's home)

No, I'll think I'll do:

6. Bash over head with hammer

As to the "it's only a cat" gang, there is not a great deal of difference between the level of awareness and intelligence of a cat and a 6 month old baby. So, watch out next time your baby cries.