Is it forbidden for a person to throw animals—such as harmless, hungry cats—in front of predatory animals for them to prey upon, thus contributing to their death?

It is not permissible to offer live animals to predators like lions, snakes, and the like, for them to prey upon. This involves torturing the animal. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded showing kindness to everything and forbade the 'patience of animals' (صبر البهائم), which is caging them alive to be killed by shooting or similar methods. This falls under torturing the animal, destroying it, and squandering its value.