"I am often in my human shape. I wear it when I visit the buffet because it is difficult to serve myself without thumbs, or when I wish to smoke, or to drink at a bar. I sometimes wear it when I fight, since there are times when human hands are better than claws. I wear it when I have sex with humans. And sometimes, I wear it just because I cannot stand to be in my cougar shape."

But that is not one of those times, so here he is with all his fur and whiskers and paws, gorging himself on sushi since he doesn't need to pick up anything with fingers. Plates are so easily taken off the belt, though they are more easily discarded on the floor.

"I was human for longer periods before the ship, for months at a time. I'd live among them, work their jobs, talk with them, sleep with them, do everything humans do. Then it would be too much, and I would leave for the wilderness to be a cougar for months and months." He perks up as he spots another octopus rolling by, quickly pawing it towards him. "That is how I have lived my life before now."