How different (morally) is running over a cat than a squirrel?

I think it would depend on where you are. Some of the older towns have some weird laws when it comes to animals and livestock. Otherwise, I think more people would feel sorry for a cat than for a squirrel since they are more social and just about everyone has had one, or knows someone who did. Kind of odd to have a squirrel as a pet (unless you're Uncle Billy on "It's a Wonderful Life") If someone sees a dead squirrel on the road, they think, oh poor animal, where as when they see a dead cat, it's more like, oh, someones pet.