Hungry

Your cat pukes, then cries.

Is it just a hairball or is something really wrong?

A mad dash to the vet leads to a cat who meows when touched, but how is a veterinarian to know what''s wrong? Is it a blockage or just a terrified kitty? Even with training, sometimes even the experts don''t know.

Or do they?

Take an MRI of a cat''s brain when they''re hungry, and it light''s up a particular way. Take another shot while they''re in pain, and the pattern changes. Researchers believe this could lead towards a better understanding of what a cat''s meow really means.

The folks over at Garner Tech have created the newest tech to help veterinarians and pet owners alike. Cat-Speak-the collar that translates brain patterns into simple phrases like:

• •I''m hungry
• •I hurt
• •I''m playful
• •I''m sleepy

No, your cat won''t tell you it loves you, but with our handy Bluetooth collar and phone app, your cats'' meows will have research-backed meaning!

Bestselling science fiction & fantasy author Raven Oak brings readers a short story set in the near future of unlikely cat-ownership and the snarky, harsh reality many pet owners may face in the near future.