The thug and the kitten look at each other for a long moment. "...Mrew?" the kitten says.
"Chii," the man in black says, patiently, "this man wanted to take our money, and possibly harm us."
The kitten frowns. The thug isn't sure how, but the kitten FROWNS at him. "MRR," the kitten says, obviously very displeased.
"And not only that," the man in black continues, "without our money, we wouldn't be able to buy anything from the corner store."
The kitten's eyes grow wide, its fur starting to fluff out.
"Yes," the man in black continues, mournfully. "This very, VERY misguided man was going to keep us from buying your favorite salmon-flavored ice cream and the tasty Nyao-Nyao cat treats. Now, Chii, what punishment do you think is proper for such behavior?"