Cats on laps are a warm spot of hope and contentment. When your feet are cold, put on a hat... and mitts...and socks...and start exercising. When I lived in Germany, there was a Seattle-like damp chill that settles in your joints. I thought I'd never be warm again. At work, I invested in several "throws" that look like fancy shawls but much cheaper and double as lap robes or wraps and look nice tossed over a chair. A Disney Princess blanket is the same convenient size but would detract from your professional credibility.