There is no shortage of ravens, fish crows and American crows that I can see. The so-called “protected” status is merely for the purposes of government control.
I had a 16-year-old one-eyed cat who died earlier this year. Up until fall of last year, he was catching and eating small birds, usually juncos but sometimes chipping sparrows (all adults), as well as mice and voles.
I think I’d draw the line at Ravens; but I don’t see any reason why people should be barred from taking crows as pets. They are still regarded as pests wherever they roost in large numbers, and there’s nothing ‘endangered’ about them.
I’m sorry for your loss of your cat.