We have just adopted two rescue Burmese cats. They have now taken over the house. They have ascertained that the number one cat slave is my husband, Julian, of whom they make constant demands.

Julian now sleeps with his head at a very strange angle, because there is a cat (Aphra) sleeping on the middle of his pillow. He gets up at 6am because the other cat (Pickle) fancies a snack.

There are cat food bowls outside our bedroom, in our lounge and in the kitchen, as well as dirt trays. The piano has been pulled away from the wall in the lounge and is now in the middle of the room because Pickle likes to sleep in the back of it.

Holiday plans are now on hold as who on earth is going to cater to Aphra’s and Pickle’s whims in the way to which they have become accustomed?

Do I regret bringing in them into our family? Of course not. There is no joy greater than stroking a purring cat. And who can resist a little furry face?