I think having a pet to cuddle while quilting is very soothing. Your kitty is gorgeous!
I had two puppies once that followed me around. One day, I was quilting with a quilt stand and the puppies were snuggling at my feet. Only when it got quiet and I looked for them that I discovered that they were taking the batting out of the quilt that puddled on the floor! I had made a quilt for a friend that got a new puppy. She brought it to me with the batting pulled out of an area. Don't know why dogs have and attraction to the batting, but now I'm more careful.