I don't see it as specifically cruel. Yes, the cat is freaked out, understandably. Considering it's human just stuck it in a big container that was suddenly filled with water. But, being someone who has washed a cat (and three dogs on the same day due to skunk), if I had this thing available, I probably would have used it. Saved the expense on antibiotic cream and bandaids. :( Ranch cats do NOT like being bathed.