There is a difference between PETS and animals raised for food.
I suppose it all depends on how hungry you get. Ever read any Jack London? The more hungry, the less difference.
That doesn't have a lot to do with this story either way, however. This guy was obviously not killing the cat to eat it.
On the other hand people can lose perspective and get overly emotional about their pets. Someone who kicks their cat does NOT deserve to be gutted and have their entrails spread down the street, or whatever miserable outcome they wish on them.
I sometimes think people would be harsher on someone who abused their cat than their children. A child molester should go to prison, but someone who kicks a cat ought to be hung from a tree and skinned alive.