Alas, I think you're right. The cat just can't seen into my boney heart, and see that I'm a friend! Someday I will win him over. Maybe with bribes.

[If he gets a fish from the docks, will the witch mind...? Or even discount his next purchase, as thanks for the gift? He can dream. And that kind of dreaming is always a pleasant diversion from being worried or annoyed.]

Please, do everyone else a favor... Make sure any familiar you get is friendly.