I can personally just bring up that my cat does (xyz) when bored. If you don't have such a cat, "A cat I had once" or "a cat a friend had" works as well. It is

I can personally just bring up that my cat does (xyz) when bored. If you don't have such a cat, "A cat I had once" or "a cat a friend had" works as well. It is a great non-confrontational way to say the same thing - and one most folks are willing to try because it is cheaper than a vet visit.