I taunted the poor, sad kitten in the shelter
That is too mean. Why would you tease a cat?
The kitten began to meow, but I think it was just lying about being sad.
A cat can't lie about being sad or lie at all. You don't have to help animals if you don't want to, but don't be cruel or tease them.
What do you know. I do want to help animals...
I hope you are sincere about what you are saying. It is bad to treat any animal badly. Animals need us to keep them safe and tend to them since they do not have a voice.