The Spanish personal "a"

The Spanish personal "a"
 

It says in the spanish grammar book that I'm studying that personal "a" can be treated as a sign of respect (to a person). In this context, is it correct to use "a" when referring to el ladrón? Example: Ellos descubren a un ladrón en la casa. I'm confused because of the above explanation.

Again the book explains that personal "a" is not used when the direct object is a pet or other animals. But then the first example given is: Amo a mi preciosa gata, Princesa. Please clarify for me. Thank you in advance.

The personal 'a' is used to signify that the direct object that follows is a person, regardless of formality/informality or status. In other words, the grammar book should say nothing about it being a sign of respect.

Some people treat their pet as if it were a person, so they will use the personal 'a' when their 'little person' is a direct object, like the gata preciosa you mentioned.

Thanks this helps me a lot.:thumbsup: