"Why would I want a pet cat?" He called, setting everything down on the counter and following him into the living room. "They're the most ambivalent animals on the face of the planet. A hamster is at least dependent on me for survival. If you really wanted to get me a companion animal you'd get me a dog but you can't do that because dogs need to go outside and you can't let that happen! Either way, none of the three are any substitute for a real person. Someone I can talk to and will talk to me back and make friends with me. You understand?"