Hanko knew she was a cat person. Dogs loved you unconditionally (which she objected to -- how could you be certain of a pet's love if it was unconditional?). The enchanters who favored snakes were somewhat untrustworthy, monkey's seemed illegal to own, wolves too unweildym and sorcerers & hydromancers who took to mice were...downright unhygienic. So she adopted a cat.