"Penelope" is a good name for a female cat. They are usually patient, but also a little jealous and desirous, as the reference from Greek mythology, the wife of Ulysses. Therefore, I think that for your animal character that metamorphoses into a woman is very appropriate.
Fears, which are part of our archetypal mental structure, can become their opposite, or give rise to it.
A very interesting story, between psychological tension and eroticism. Greetings, @nancybriti.