Isn't that the way??  Mention a cat and matches in the same breath and the defenders are outta the woodwork in a heartbeat, knowing for sure that the OP would willingly do harm to Fluffy.  Reference an intentionally negative outcome for a person, and everyone (correctly, I might add) assumes it's a joke and the day goes on.   Sometimes, I think some of our priorities might be just about a half-bubble off plumb.