I think many of you are missing some of the finer points- the old lady was initially like a cat, in fact at one point Viola scribed the cat and that was how the old lady always was, never getting attached, just watching people from afar, always wanting to be alone. At the end, the old lady became like a cat who "was in love"- she came to desire friendships, connection, warmth and caring for others. The only question is whether there really was a girl Viola, or whether it was her imagination, or whether the cat became its alter ego for a time. The cat at first was like the old lady, it wasnt friendly and wanted to be left alone. But then it grew an attachment to the old lady, and the old Lady began to grow an attachment for it and desire friendships.