I am always afraid the cat will swallow a pin or a length of thread or a piece of fabric...not good and can cost you a lot in vet bills. The dog, as much as I love her, always wants to lay wherever I need to walk and both the cat and dog are constantly head-butting to be petted, so I purchased a see-through pet gate that has a kitty door. The dog lays outside the door, but can see me so that prevents whining, and if I am doing something not involving thread or pins or trying to cut out a quilt, I open the cat gate so the cat can come in. Works like a charm.