THe cat?

Hello,

I know that it is

A cat climed on the roof, and afterward, THE cat came down.

But if I am using CATS in general, do I have to use THE?

Cats are known to be independent, and thus, we should treat CATS as if they are friends, not pets.
Or
Cats are known to be independent, and thus, we should treat THE CATS as if they are friends, not pets.
(Do I have to use THE here? I am thinking I shouldn't be because I am referring to cats in generral, even if the word CATS appears twice)

Thank you.