It's interesting to see what moral allowances will be made for the sake of convenience and expediency. That extra donut in your twelve-pack? I'm damn sure you won't go back to the bakery to report it and pay $0.12.
In our case, we've decided that our personal convenience far outweighs the betta fish's right to mental stability and calm. The cat now takes his meds with much more aplomb, due almost entirely to the presence of a fishtank within inches of his face.
That thin plastic, with the tantalizing moving thing on the other side...hey guys! The moving thing not only moves, but it reacts to my frantic scratching and reaching! Ouch! What did you do!? That's...uncomfortable...and I think I'm pissed at you, so I'll sulk. But not off the counter. I'll just sit here and sulk...where I can see that moving thing...so angry...so...wha?...hey! hey you moving thing!!
He'll even stay on the counter for the anti-leak circular rubbing motion just below his hump, so long as nothing obstructs his view of the fish. Now, he'll even leap on the stovetop hours after his treatment, seeking to slap at a fishtank, and he'll purr atop the counter (in hopes of the sudden appearance of a fishtank?). Regardless of his motivations, this new attitude to countertop activity is very welcome.
I justify it like this:
Fish: Very cheap, in purchase, lifestyle, and upkeep. Not very affectionate. Short life span, even in the best of conditions. Decorative, but not cuddle-able, and can only provide limited companionship from atop the bedroom dresser. Other placement locations will immediately result in the cat bothering the fish, causing stress, and annoying the humans with slapping sounds.
Cat: More expensive in all aspects, but more rewarding socially. Decorative and cuddly, while amusing humans in all areas of the house. Longer lifespan possiblities necessitate the administration of fluids, which necessitates the scheduled use of the fish as entertainment for the cat.
Fish: About $37 for several years of upkeep and supplies.
Ten minutes of excitement/exercise for the fish in exchange for 10 minutes of calm from the cat: Priceless
Besides: I read somewhere that betta fish who were regularly challenged by a lab tech and chased around their tank daily lived longer than those who were never induced to flaring or exercised.
Well, they actually DO benefit from having to flare their fins. You are supposed to put a mirror nearby so they can flare at the "other guy".
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