I was surprised how much backlash there is over using kittens.
It turned out that people are worried they’ll get too attached to the kittens to be able to enjoy them becoming engulfed in massive explosions.
Thinking about what would be going through Bill Kerman's little head as he approaches the rocket having just seen poor Jebediah Kerman vaporised on the launch pad was pretty funny. I don't think this same gallows humour extends to kittens.
Now that's funny.
"They're too easy to get sentimentally attached to, and then it makes me sad if I blow them up!"
Honestly this probably enhances the sandbox nature of the game by making the stakes more palpable.
There is historical precedent tho: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%A9licette
Kittens have 9 lives, just take them out of rotation before they run out. Could have a counter on their space suit.