How do you explain an octopus holding 8 cats, let alone keeping the octopodes alive for more than a day?
Like the inspiring concept, I think part of the joy of DnD is that it's often an invitation to discussions about irrelevant minutae. Provided the rules-lawyering doesn't take up all the oxygen in the room, it's a fun diversion.
It generally devolves into an argument about whether or not human lungs count as an open container, but it always happens.
It's a human consciousness constant. It's amazing.
As per keeping them alive: they take short rests, like everyone else