"Um, it's a cat..." Erika began slowly, once the initial shock wore off. She shifted awkwardly, letting one arm dangle loosely at her side. After a moment, she reached across and clasped her elbow.

"Cats can be really fun. Especially if you have a laser pointer and give them catnip and a plastic bag."

Neither of which she had on her today. She wouldn't do that to a stray on the street, anyway. It'd be cruel to leave it outside in that state.