This scenario happens fairly often: I'm sleeping or reading on the sofa. My cat, Collette, is sleeping peacefully on or near me. Ostensibly, I could get up whenever I want. Ostensibly, I'm Collette's guardian and get to determine what and when I do whatever I need to do. Ostensibly, Collette should infer by this time that my getting up from the sofa isn't a negative reflection on her; it's just that I have other things to do.
Realistically, though, Collette is a young, feisty cat with sharp teeth. So, I'll stay on the sofa a while longer.
