That is so funny!
I also live in an apartment - Mishka can hear me as soon as I get off the elevator. I have no idea how he can tell but I have heard that cats can distinguish their owner’s footsteps!
Either that or he meows every time someone gets off the on my floor – and he is LOUD.
I can hear him meowing at the door as I walk down the hallway. As soon as I open the door he comes out (meowing the whole time), looks and sniffs around the neighbors door!!!
I always have to put my stuff down and go and get him - as soon as he sees me he takes off (meowing the whole time - of course). We have a little chase and then he happily runs back home - where he leads me to his kruchies bowl. Little Bean is quickly learning from Mishka..