If your life was in danger, who would you rather be at your side: a dog or a cat?
A cat, they can be thrown as weapons. For many years the Ninja have practiced the art of cat throwing. Everybody believes that they only throw "stars", but they are far more well-rounded than that, they also throw knives and the even more deadly cat. You can also place them strategically near stairs to ensure that an enemy has no safe passage on the stairs as they have a natural intention to trip any two-legged animal by walking between their feet on the stairs, this also notifies you of their approach if it doesn't incapacitate your enemy. When your life is in danger, one of the most utilitarian tools to have at your disposal is the cat.