Talk to the Animals

So one thing I never understood was people who talk to cats or dogs.  I don't mean like calling them or telling them to go outside... I mean actually having a conversation with them.  My girlfriend will talk to them, ask if they're hungry, what they want to eat, and even what's going on.  The cats seem to talk back.  They meow on cue and seem to answer everything that is asked.  I just thought this was ridiculous, but I did catch myself asking the cat if she wanted to go outside and if she was hungry.  She did look at me and answer...not that I understood what she meowed.  I think she was just surprised that I talked to her.