I'm CatCalling again in earnest and with some new families some of them understandably less sure of me initially than others as they leave their precious charges with me for the first time .
One man hit the nail on the head as he rang me to check a few final details on the eve of departure and said " I expect the cats will show you " and he was dead right ....
In a familiar household where I have a routine I find the visit goes like clockwork . I know exactly where the key is in my bag , how it turns in the front door , how the cats will approach ( or not ! ) to say hello , or where I will find them . Whether they will present as a large purring creature on an armchair craning the neck as I come through the door or a silent lump in the bed with a do -not -disturb notice attached .
Either way I try to cater to their whims , allowing for the curious bods who like to show me around and run a step in front of me everywhere , tripping me up at every turn . (I am well accustomed to this as our own Kitty has this tendency on a good day . On a bad she will cut off your retreat with body blows and sharp nips . Last night she slapped poor Toby's face on the stairs . His only crime that of being a big posh gentle Birman boy as far as we could see . )

On a new assignment everything moves more slowly . I am more tentative and careful about everything , unsure of where things are , how the key works , how the door sounds , where the creaks and groans are in the house . I glance about me trying to get a feel of everything , who the family are , how they like things to be done , how the cats are , what they like , their personalities and how much attention they want .

And today it was right about the cats showing me . Had I forgotten the various instructions ( I had not ! ) , eg to put the two indoor cats bowls down at exactly the same moment , the black cat did indeed push the bigger but gentler grey tabby to one side . And despite my doing just that , pushing and shoving ensued anyway , as I made the mistake of offering different flavours and of course they both wanted the one flavour . Just like toddlers ! Next time I will know better .
Remembering to give the leftover catfood to the birds on the decking was easy , as a collection of hopping and shouting feathered friends gave the game away . Remembering not to slip ... well that one will be easier this evening ! Once bitten twice shy !
The outdoor cat was nowhere to be seen this morning but I had no worries as his food had gone overnight and I had spied him in the garden yesterday at tea time .
And of course .. the litter tray , "they never use it" , famous last words , who says they don't ! Somebody did !
Cats , don't you just love them .