OK the neighbor's cat is trying to get the beagle's attention

[Taverner]

Betty, the beagle, just lies there, watching the cat with her eyes, not moving a muscle.

The cat sniffs Betty and she lifts her head up, and then sets it down.

Now the cat walks away, turning her head to make sure the beagle isn't following her.

Cat is probably muttering "what has this world come to???"