Steel crossbow limbs are sturdier than their counterparts, with a greater durability that allows them to create stronger and more dangerous crossbows.
Indeed, this durability seems to have put a nominal end to the unfortunate curse between cats and crossbow limb related catastrophes.
As a result, in Fellhollow, cats still had a place in the home, even after they had been systematically outcast from Bramblemead. It was said that Xikotal, in particular, enjoyed the gentle purring noises that they made and would surround his lair with hundreds of the creatures so that he might be lulled into a gentle sleep.