Cat!

 We're looking after a friend's cat. Or that's the idea.

The cat doesn't leave the house- at least not on our watch- and there's no cat flap.

We turn up for our first session yesterday evening. Should be straightforward. Feed cat. Socialise with cat for as long as its prepared to tolerate us. We've done this before. Easy.

Only, no cat. 

We search the house top to bottom. I even go down into the locked cellar, where I have to move around bent double. Lots of carboard boxes, Lots of wine. No cat.

Our friend's son has been staying in the house. Did he let the cat out and not let it back in? Did he take it with him? We don't want to bother our friend- who is somewhere far away and not in a position to do anything but fret. 

So we'll be going back this morning. Will the cat have emerged from its hidey-hole? Will it be waiting on the doorstep?

Cats, I ask you!

Something I read online: The difference between having a dog and having a cat. A dog is like a child, a cat is like a housemate......