The Cat was not particularly fussy when it came to food, although she had her favourites which were game flavours – duck was top of the list, with rabbit and mixed game running a close second. This palate was shared by her daughter Sprocket.

In the early days (and before The Cat decided that humans weren’t so bad after all), she and Ana Half-Tail were very occasionally treated to a slice or two of human ham which they both loved – in fact, The Cat loved it so much that very often poor Ana didn’t get any at all. And of course there was the special kibble beloved of The Cat, although if there were kittens around it was not on offer due to its being too hard and a potential choking hazard for the little ones.

Once The Cat became more friendly, it was not a big step to think that maybe some special food might be well received by The Cat at Christmas.

A tin of special pâté was purchased – not just a foil pack, a whole small tin, befitting of the matriarch of the garden. And it was with excitement that it was opened on Christmas morning and the contents offered to The Cat on her white enamelled dish.

The Cat, however, did not share the humans’ excitement. She eyed her new, special food with suspicion.

It might as well have been a mixed salad for all the interest she showed. It only took seconds for her to make her feelings known. Amends were made and a bowl of everyday food accepted instead. The equilibrium was restored and The Cat was happy.

Dinky was also happy and kindly offered to not only eat The Cat’s unwanted Christmas treat, but also leave the bowl clean and shiny afterwards.

He’d had one of the best Christmas feasts ever and everyone was happy.