Yes, it is clear to me from today’s strip that this story is a metaphor. It isn’t really just about the kittens needing a home. The key is panel 4. Figured it out? You probably got it a few days ago.  This is about homelessness, of course, but homeless people. We have NIMBY responses and temporary camp proposals. Cherry’s lament of ”We need something more permanent. What if other kittens come to town…?” nails it for me.  

Of course, there are precedents for using animals as stand-ins for human actions and problems, be it Aesop, the ancient Egyptians, or George Orwell. There are significant differences, too. These animals are not anthropomorphic. Perhaps Rivera is simply making a point that communities need to, and can, come together to help resolve the problem of homelessness.  

Am I over-interpreting this story? Let me if you think differently.  

But my main concern is Rivera’s inability to avoid trivializing story continuity and importance with her need to insert irrelevant and base humor.