Before a Cat will condescend To treat you as a trusted friend, Some little token of esteems needed, like a dish of cream;And you might now and then supply Some caviar, or Strasbourg Pie, Some potted grouse, or salmon paste —He's sure to have his personal taste.(I know a Cat, who makes a habit Of eating nothing else but rabbit, And when he's finished, licks his paws So's not to waste the onion sauce.) A Cat's entitled to expect These evidences of respect. And so in time you reach your aim, And finally call him by his name.

— T.S. Eliot

With Cats, some say, one rule is true:Don’t speak till you are spoken to. Myself, I do not hold with that —I say, you should ad-dress a Cat. But always keep in mind that he Resents familiarity. I bow, and taking off my hat, Ad-dress him in this form: O Cat! But if he is the Cat next door, Whom I have often met before (He comes to see me in my flat)I greet him with an oops Cat! I think I've heard them call him James —But we've not got so far as names.

— T.S. Eliot