"Mao" IS "Cat" in Mandarin.
Pronounce it with a rising questioning inflection while pointing at
the pork Fried Rice.  It always provokes SOME kind of reaction.

My Tabby says "Arwoo".  She says it CONVERSATIONALLY..Turns towards
me, says it, and then resumes whatever she was doing.  
No guesses on what it may mean.
"Hi", "Thanks for the hairball treat", "Howyadoin'", "What about them
Yankees?", etc.

Her mother fell asleep on top of the TV.  She slept so soundly, she
started to slide off, down the back, awoke suddenly, shouted
"WOOOOAAAHHH"! and stopped the fall.

The Siamese *WHINES* like a spoiled niece.  Which, I suppose she is,
essentially.