h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I perceive some hostility in that look.

You don't have a cat, do you?

How did you guess? We only have a cat if it decides to use our stairs to get on a different level.

Because people who don't have cats tend to interpret their looks as hostile.

My late mom used to have a thing about the neighbourhood cat that would camp in the backyard with a view to sharing our cat's food: 'I don't like that cat. It LOOKS at me.' (Ours won her over because 'she follows you around like a little dog.')

When a cat looks at you like that, look back. Then blink. Slowly. It will do the same. And you've made a friend.

I'll give it a try. Maybe it works better than talking back to it.

Well, it started talking to me first...

Nothing wrong with a little cat conversation.

My dad: Now, Niki, you know you aren't supposed to be in the house.

Cat: Meow.

My dad: Niki, please go outside. (He was afraid to pick the cat up, not knowing how.)

Cat: Meow, meow.

My dad: Niki, please...

Me (picking up cat and setting it outside unceremoniously): Now, that's enough of that. (to my dad) She was enjoying herself a little too much.