That gets a titter from Nel. She understands all too well how cats behave after growing up with a clowder of them. “That happens. Cats lick their fur to groom themselves, so they end up swallowing bits of it. Usually it goes through, but if it gets caught and makes a clump, they have to throw up to be able to eat properly. …but sometimes they just throw up.” She gives a small shrug, having long accepted it as a fact of life. “As for sitting in your lap, cats are tricky. It usually seems like they want to be in your lap only when it’s cold or if you’re thinking about getting up. Especially if you need the loo. But I think it’s best that you pick pets that suit what you want rather than try to get them to act contrary. I’ve seen lots of little dogs that like sitting in laps.”

More jumping on the ground, and with no results, she moves around to a new spot within reach of the rope. After a moment, she poses a different question, “Did you come a long way to Earth?”