@John_Hazard: What would you say to a little 'bird'? Sorry - it's the only Harlan story, I know.

@Wabbited: No it is not - it is neither a cycle of life nor evolution. Nature sets a predator/prey ratio - pets are not part of a natural relationship because there is no downside to their part of the cycle. If a cat fails to kill a meal, it will be fed by a human so cats do not need to kill to survive so they just…

@Architectin: The metal arms can be removed, the cable inserted then reattached

@enlight10ment: Don't forget Niven's "Gil 'the Arm' Hamilton" from the early '60s/70s - I think it may be part of the 'known worlds' stuff.