[ The cat meets his gaze and doesn't break it. It's a judging gaze - or at least, an observational one. Sizing him up.

Maddie continues talking as if that isn't happening, though, since she can't even see it. ] A large flightless bird.... like an emu or an ostrich? Not that I can compare, I've never actually "seen" one of those either.

I wonder how fluffy they are.