She argued she would never understand why people from so called rich countries (like the US or Germany) would spend money on animals instead of giving it to the poor.
I would have argued that while yes, there are the poor in many countries, many of those people have programs they can turn to, in time of need. They also have organizations that will speak out on their behalf and support them. The animals have only us to speak for them and help them out in their time of need.

She believes a cat should live free and rather die before ending up in an animal shelter
Did you ask her if she was a member of PETA??? The above comment sounds like a PETA argument.

I don't think she'd last 2 second on this site with her limited beliefs. WAY too many animal lovers here.