Glad things are looking funnier, if not UP, for you.
Maybe the cat will drop dead from a heart attack, being chased all over the neighborhood.
I'd still put the live catch trap out, just in case. If not for the cat, for the gophers.
As far as the Animal control person? There is no excuse for his/her behavior. Be sure to report the behavior to the proper authorities, cuz no one should have to answer to a *rude* PUBLIC SERVANT. On the other hand, report how nice the police officer was regarding the situation to his/her supervisor. No one thinks to thank a cop, and with all the budget problems these days if it comes down to lay offs, you don't want the good ones to get laid off, leaving the friends of the AC person...