I wanted to respond to this whole "persistent vegetative state" phenom that's in the news, if I may...
Groovy!
According to the definition, anyone who doesn't respond to vocal stimuli, has a glazed-over look in their eyes, and depends on others to feed them, is in this state, and should starved to death...
And, your point is..?
My point is you can apply this same definition to cats! You see what I'm getting at?
I dig... You may actually have to socialize with other people just to stay alive. Bummer!