If the cat owner has notified the proper authorities that a huge mistake has been made and they choose to ignore it, then I would notify my local media and bring Fluffy on the appointed day. Perhaps they may listen more carefully the next time someone calls and says their doggy, gerbil, or bunny has been called. Sheesh.
Working in the media, I would SOOO be there for that photo op. There are too many mid-level government bureaucrats who don’t make the smallest attempt to actually think.