Why does `decode(_:forKey:)` ignore its first parameter?

It seems like decode(_forKey:) ignores its first parameter, and instead relies on the generic parameter to decide what type to decode. If this is the case, what is the first parameter for?

class Cat: Codable {
    func speak() -> String { return "Meow" }
}

class Lion: Cat {
    override func speak() -> String { return "Roar!" }
}

class Person: Codable {
    let firstPet: Cat
    let secondPet: Cat
    init(firstPet: Cat, secondPet: Cat) {
        self.firstPet = firstPet
        self.secondPet = secondPet
    }

    enum CodingKeys: CodingKey { case firstPet, secondPet }

    required init(from decoder: Decoder) throws {
        let container = try decoder.container(keyedBy: CodingKeys.self)
        self.firstPet = try container.decode(Lion.self, forKey: .firstPet)
        let typeOfCat: Cat.Type = Lion.self
        self.secondPet = try container.decode(typeOfCat, forKey: .secondPet)
    }
}

let before = Person(firstPet: Lion(), secondPet: Lion())
let after = try! JSONDecoder().decode(Person.self, from: JSONEncoder().encode(before))
after.firstPet.speak() //"Roar!"
after.secondPet.speak() //"Meow" ...really?