DEAR Jasminda,

My neighbours’ cat prefers living with me.

It suns itself on my deck, follows me in the garden and if the door is open, and curls up on my lap and falls asleep.

The neighbours are at work all day and so they are unaware of this behaviour.

The thing is, I’ve become very attached to the cat, and I feel as though it feels the same about me.

Last night when it was being called to come in at night, it hid in my shed, and ended up on a little bed I’d made it in the hallway.

Should I speak to the neighbours about adopting it more formally?

Mrs Tiffany B.

Dear Tiffany,

I think you must realise that you have, in fact, turned into a cat napper, and I don’t mean the type that curls up in front of the midday movie for a little power sleep.

I have no doubt that the cat enjoys your company during the day when it is lonely, but you have definitely encouraged the behaviour by allowing it to sleep on your lap during the day and in its own little bed that you’ve made it at night.

Your poor neighbours were probably frantic that their feline friend had gone missing, and there you were, holding it hostage, complete with a crocheted rug and a little mouse toy no doubt.

Did you feed it some sardines or tuna as an added enticement?

You can’t just adopt other people’s pets, Tiffany.

Even if they show you affection.

I would recommend that you contact the various pet rescue facilities in the local area, and perhaps adopt a cat that doesn’t have an owner and is looking for the sort of love and attention that you are able to provide.

You also might like to let your neighbours know that their cat is roaming around when they are at work and quite possibly enjoying not only your hospitality, but also the birds and lizards in the local area.

Carpe diem, Jasminda.