[ Law Enforcement & Police ] Open Question : If I punch my roommate to protect my cats, will I get in trouble?

My roommate threatened to kill my cats. I have evidence and tried to report her, police said they couldn’t do anything unless she actually hurt them. Can’t afford to move out but I’m saving everything I can. No where to keep my cats until I do. I love these cats as though they are children. I changed the lock on my door so she can’t get in. But if somehow she gets in anyway, and she ******* touches one of my cats, I might ******* punch her. I know aggravation is a defense, and I am legally allowed to use reasonable force to protect my animals. However if I were to punch her, won’t I get put in jail until trial? Which leaves her alone on the premises with my cats? I doubt she will get in and that I have reason to worry about any of this. But I am ******* mad and scared, you know? Oi what do I do? I just want to make sure she can’t get to them in the first place.

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