There are plenty of things to interest you here already, the cat points out with a seemingly infinite reserve of patience. Do some math. Do some science. Read a book. Use your imagination. Honestly, the possibilities are endless.

If nothing else, they could spend a few minutes reflecting on how lucky they are that this particular cat sees no need to banish their implied boredom with something truly and deeply unpleasant.

It pushes its whiskers forward and chuffs at them. Look at how nice it's being. Carry on with your work. We'll be keeping an eye on your progress. It almost makes such scrutiny sound like a compliment.

Then, as abruptly as it appeared, the cat is gone.