Final answer:
In "The Black Cat," the narrator first gouges out the cat Pluto's eye and later hangs the animal, leading to his downward spiral into madness.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Black Cat," the narrator, under the influence of alcohol and in a fit of rage, gouges out one of Pluto's eyes. Subsequently, feeling guilty, the narrator eventually hangs Pluto to rid himself of the feeling of remorse. This heinous act marks the beginning of a series of disturbing events that illustrate the narrator's descent into madness. It is important to note that animal cruelty is a disturbing subject and should be discussed with sensitivity.