This is a neat topic! I talk to my cats all the time though. I, too, ask if they are hungry, if they are tired, if they want to play, etc etc. I think I would ask Tilly what it was like to live in a shelter, and Bassett what her mom looked like because I wish I knew what kind of cat she is!

But, I think that they understand more than I think they do, and they have a certain meow for every situation and I have learned their catspeak. At least I think I have.. maybe they have me RIGHT where they want me.......