All this over a cat? Why would superiors care that much about an incident (or fabbed incident) like that?

If you have had your food or drink tampered with it's considered assault. If someone puts any of their "stuff" (spit, poop, etc.) on you, they've assualted you. If they've messed with your belongings they may have trespassed or some other crime. If anything like these examples have taken place, you need an attorney. If not, maybe not.

This is truly a catch 22 as you really can't do much about them but who wants to quit and have the bullies win in principle...?

Can you transfer to another station?