As I don't know the cat's name in the story, I can't say if there is a special meaning. But usually in stories, names can have significance, like reflecting the cat's personality or its role in the plot.
Yes, it can be ethical. If the name change is done to protect the privacy of the person, especially if the story involves sensitive or personal information. Also, in fictional stories, changing a name can be a creative choice to fit the fictional world better without causing harm to the real - life inspiration.
It can be a bit of a gray area. In some cases, it might be okay if it's done to protect the person's privacy while still getting the essence of the story across. For example, in a fictionalized account of a real - life event where the real name might cause unnecessary harm or unwanted attention to the individual.
It can be to fit the genre or setting of the story. In a fantasy story, a name like 'Gandalf' is more appropriate than a modern - day name like 'Bob'. So, changing someone's name to match the fictional world you're creating helps to immerse the reader in the story. Also, it might be to avoid any potential legal issues if the name is too similar to a real person who might object to being associated with the story in a certain way.
One potential consequence is that it could mislead the audience. If they later find out the real identity was changed, they might feel deceived. Another is that it could cause legal issues if the person whose name was changed feels their reputation has been damaged.
Sure. One possible name could be Sake itself, as a simple and direct reference to the central element of the story. Another could be Masu, which is a traditional Japanese measuring cup for sake.