There is a program now where kids read to dogs because it helps the kids improve their reading. I imagine a pet cat would work just as well.
Animals are non-judgmental and don't even notice if we mispronounce a word or something. I read an article that following some children who were reading to dogs and the children all improved their reading skills so that some were well above grade level. Plus, it's just plain cute to watch. Enjoy!
-Dorothy (LadyZolt) (who, just as an aside, read "The Lord of the Rings" aloud to my daughter who was too young to read it on her own, but my pet dog also "listened" to the story every day. So now I tell everyone that I love that book so much, I read it to my dog! LOL!)