Take that idea one step further, but not quite as extreme as merely mentioning but never showing her. Depict nothing but a prop tail with a tuft upon the tip vanishing around a corner, poking from a Jefferies Tube, getting caught in the bridge doors (with an accompanying wailing meow), etc.
You know, rather like "Spot" was presented on "The Munsters".
Of course, where's the fun if we never get to see her face?
Sincerely,
Bill