My mom’s cat has learned that gloves = OK to claw, bare hands = no, improved from just clawing all the time. So, some cats may be able to learn correct context.
Martha Wells. Finished the Murderbot series, wrapping up the Raksura. All very much of the same cloth, but I enjoy it.
Also recently discovered Naomi Novik’s Scholomance trilogy, I had only read her Temeraire books before.
I dunno, Jorch thinks he’s got pretty good chances too.