@dungeons Option 2️⃣ is the best choice. Meleeing the cat with your shield is not the wisest option since it does not deal damage, making it just a waste of an action. Thunderwave is a powerful spell, but its area of effect may hit other adventurers and use up one of your limited spell slots. Running away may not guarantee a successful escape. Option 2️⃣, a one-handed melee attack, is the most reliable and efficient way to deal damage to the cat without the drawbacks [1/2]