This is why I'm sticking to the bird theory. A cat will scratch whatever is within reach without thought or finesse. A bird? They go for the eyes. If she had to get physical, Josie would go for a single, devastating strike. I'm sure she keeps a poisoned dagger for protection.
Hmm. Do they? Not that familiar with combat maneuvers of birds.
But I don't know about Josephine. I mean, she might go for the quick strike, but I can also see her as the type to hurt rather than kill. Kind of like how a cat attacks a person with its paw to get him/her away from it. You know, staying defensive rather than being offensive.
Anyway, I'm sure the only pet Josephine needs or wants is her quill, and possibly the Inquisitor, implications of my choice of words not intended.