The Cat is truly a benevolent overlord. He permits the toe beans to be touched, at least partially because his intelligence can override the instinctive feeling of vulnerability.

The annoyance is especially sticky (pun intended) since he had to wash himself not once but three times on the way to town. Cleaning salt water from fur is not a pleasant experience. But that aggravation fades as the smoke forms the beginnings of a dome overhead. It's gradually replaced by a wistful concern over matters he would be permitted to interfere in even if he were currently able.