Cat's fighting generally involved bazookoids. Not having one handy - or indeed anywhere on the ship, made fighting tricky. Fortunately, he still had some instincts. Which were to twist as he went down. So if Shadow held on Cat would end up on top. If he let go, Cat would be able to roll away and go in for an attack of his own. The heels on his shoes could do a bit of damage, if he kicked out.