The speaker talks about the cat not hearing meanings of our words "nor how they sometimes fall short" (line 8). What might this mean

The poem "At Dusk" shows uncertainty and indecision on the cat's part to go home because there were many things to pursue. It was able to hear the sound of the voice as indicated by the moving of its ears; however, instead idenifying the meaning of the call to go home, it continued to enjoy the more attractive sights.