I can’t believe that 2026 is upon us and although it’s been stormy so far, I am belatedly wishing everyone a Happy New Year! My resolutions are to spend more time with my cat and as she spends most of the winter sitting on me, that will be pretty easy. I know I should say I am going to exercise more but what can I do?

I will be writing more about cats this year, so if there is anything you would like to know or read about, comment or email me to let me know. Also, I’m possibly going to be posting a cheeky look at a chapter of the new Alfie book in a while, because I am sure that this year a new Alfie book will be released in the UK - hopefully, probably… It’s taking a while but we will get there!

So, I hope you all snuggle down with your cats, and enjoy the beginning of this year, keep warm and keep reading.

Love Rachel & Alfie

I was reading the blurb on the back of my book for a social media video. The first line reads ‘can a cat really change your life?’ I stopped to think for a minute because of course a cat can change your life and more importantly for the better.

Not only did ‘Alfie The Doorstep Cat’ change my life for the better because of the fact I got to write book after book about him - and I loved every moment. And with every adventure he grew in my heart, but the reason I created him in the first place was because of my own experience with cats. From a young age I loved cats and they became so important to me.

One of my earliest memories I have shared was walking the family cat Gilbert on a lead when we moved to Devon. Gilbert was my first friend. One of many cats who had a profound impact on my life.

Finding myself sadly without a cat about ten years ago I started looking for one to adopt and who should pop up but Lady Alfie. It was fate. And that theme of cats choosing their humans or appearing in our lives when we need them most proves itself to me again and again.

We have all had times in our lives when we needed help and I’ve always found it in my cats. When I had a bad breakup, lost a parent, had a bad time at work and when I got divorced, every time I can look back and say that it was my cat who helped me through it. And so, yes a cat really can change your life… More than once!

Alfie The Doorstep Cat is available in some Asda stores, Waterstones, local bookshops and online from":

Amazon

Waterstones

The Cool Things about Cats…

Cats are endlessly fascinating. This week I have spent most of my time removing my cat from my drive so I can park my car. I feel though that she has claimed the driveway as her own and now I might have to park in the street!! That is so cat.

1. They are incredibly clever

Cats are super smart. They have great problem solving skills which if you’d read any of the Alfie The Doorstep Cat series you will know! In the book, Alfie is always solving problems, and finding ways of getting people’s attention… My cat literally glues herself to my leg when she wants something. And she has been known to knock things off shelves or tables to get my attention too. No breakages so far, but I fear it’s a matter of time.

2. They literally purr

We generally feel that cats purr when they are content, sitting on laps for example and I often think that if they purr it’s a way of rewarding humans. However, they use purring to convey other emotions - when they’re stimulated, anxious, in need of self-soothing and it’s believed it can always help with the healing process. They also use it to communicate with other cats.

3. They can see through walls…

OK, so that isn’t true but cats have amazing eyesight. Their night vision alone is about 6 times better than ours. They do need to be closer than we do to objects for them to see clearly interestingly, but they have a wider field of vision than us too. They also see colours differently, for example reds and pinks may seem green. However, they are more sensitive to movement than us so they detect their prey far quicker than we can!

4. They’re Athletes

If we could enter cats into the olympics they would be jumping champions. They can jump up to six times their body lengths in a single leap, they can land without making a sound, and they always land on their feet according to their ‘righting reflex’ I think that is pretty cool.

5. They Communicate with ears, eyes and tails

I think cats are incredible communicators and I have studied this to write my Alfie series. They use all they have to communicate. Blinking is a sign of affection for instance, a high tail tells you they feel confident, however if they flatten their ears it means ‘leave me alone.’ And in basic terms when my cat ‘yowls’ at me, it generally means she wants food.

6. They are pretty much tigers

Our domestic cats share 95.6% of their DNA with tigers. When you see them stalking, pouncing, or chasing around, that definitely echos their ancestors.

7. Incredible cleanliness

Cats groom themselves for hours. Is it vanity? I know it is with Alfie, but did you know that grooming has many uses for cats. It regulates body temperature, reduces their scent, and it also is used as a way to bond with other cats. Like us going to the spa together maybe?

8. They all have their unique personalities

I have had so many cats throughout my life and although their are always similarities there are also huge differences. Every one of my cats has had their own distinctive personalities and quirks which makes them even more interesting! And they are all cool.

9. They Make Over 100 Vocal Sounds

In the dogs vs cat debate get this - (and I love dogs by the way), dogs have around 10 vocalisations but cats can make over 100, giving them a huge range of vocal communication - although I sometimes believe 99 of those sounds are different ways of saying ‘feed me!’

10. Do Cats know they are from outer space?

Cats seem to know so much more than us - and they look at us as if to tell us that. Do they have cosmic information we don’t? You know, it wouldn’t surprise me! They are both aloof and affectionate, depending on their mood and they are mysterious, which is why they always keep us on our toes!

I have been called a crazy cat lady on a number of occasions. We have all heard the definition of a crazy cat lady - an ‘older’ woman who lives alone with a number of cats who she is obsessively devoted to. Personally having only one cat - who yes I am obsessively devoted to - and a son - who I am equally devoted to - and not being a fan of thinking of myself as ‘older’ then I can only dream of being a crazy cat lady in reality. However, apparently it’s a thing of the past in any case.

Note that it gets thrown about as an insult but us cat lovers - whatever age, sex, and number of cats - actually think it’s a huge compliment.

However we are being pushed aside by, drumroll please, young people. Welcome to the Gen Z, cat lovers who are now taking our place. Not only are cats increasingly popular among the younger generation, they are also being recognised as what all of us ‘crazy cat ladies’ always knew and that is cool. Cats are amazing, cats are cool and cats are now increasingly popular. It’s just as it always should have been.

It was reported this week in newspaper The Times that cats become ‘Britain’s favourite pet as Gen Z copy Taylor Swift.’ It went on to report that as many as 41% of Gen Z share their home with at least one cat. Basically, it’s as if young people are realising what us crazy cat ‘oldies’ knew all along, that cats are just the best. In fact they are apparently about to overtake dogs as the UK’s most popular pets.

So where does that leave crazy cat ladies or aspiring ones? Or me anyway. Well I shall applaud anyone who loves animals full stop, no matter which but having such a soft spot for cats I can’t help feeling a bit pleased that youngsters are realising what I knew all along - and by the way I’ve always had cats from when I was born.

Digging deeper though, The Teen Magazine published an article entitled ‘Why Every Teenager Needs a cat.’ It goes on to say how calming cats can be, how they make teens less anxious amidst all the pressure they are under and can help with feelings of loneliness. Basically these are the benefits of having a cat no matter what age you are.

Taylor Swift has three cats herself, and she has become a huge positive advocate for cat parenting. Her cats are named after fictional characters and enjoy a level of fame of their own. There is Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson and Benjamin Button - all three are utterly gorgeous.

I think crazy cat ladies, crazy cat men, crazy cat youngsters, it doesn’t matter. Because at the end of the day all that matters is the cats. And we love them so much!

The Pasadena Humane Society - www.pasadenahumane.org - is there to help animals in general and they have set up an emergency page for those who are affected by the wildfires. Here’s the link https://pasadenahumane.org/eaton-canyon-fire-update/ and there is also a way for us to give money to support. If you are able, no matter how big or small, you can help here: https://give.pasadenahumane.org/give/654134/#!/donation/checkout

Thank you for reading, and thank you if you are able to help - love Rachel & Alfie xx

Although I’ve been busy helping take the Christmas decorations down - or as I like to call it being tangled in tinsel - I wanted to write something for you as we welcome another year. Wishing you all a very happy 2025.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, I will definitely miss the leftover food. Turkey, custard and even a bit of cream. Obviously Christmas Day breakfast was my favourite, pilchards, that’s a custom in our house and I love it.

However when we welcome a new year, I always like to reflect on the last one. It was a good year in all, although I understand that it was difficult for a lot of humans and I felt that deeply being a very sensitive cat. I appreciate not everyone had a good year and that is why I always like to think of a new year as almost like a clean sweep. We can say goodbye to the old and be open to the new. I personally think that 2025 is going to be a brilliant year for us all, and I for one am ready to grab it by the paws!

This year I am going to bring you a new book. It’s called Alfie’s Apprentices - yes you heard it here first - and we are looking for a release late spring/early summer. Stay tuned for more details, but as I bring you tales (or tails) of the kittens, I know you will love it.

I am also working hard to train my grand-kittens to be good cats, although they already are, the thing is that I like to teach them what I have learnt so they can use it to help their humans the way I have always helped mine.

I plan to spend more time with those I love, both cats and humans. This year feels like a year of family and friendship and so I am going to cherish both. Make time for people you care about, it’s so important. I feel gratitude every day to have so many people to love in my life and I think it’s important that we go into the new year being thankful for what we have rather than sad for what we do not.

Have fun. I think sometimes we are so caught up worrying about things that we forget to even try to have fun, but honestly I believe that if you set time aside to do what you enjoy, things are always that bit brighter. Worry just brings more worry, and I know it’s not easy but make a resolution to have more fun in your life, or at least invite it in. I plan having lots of fun this year.

I know that I don’t need to tell you to live your life with kindness because I believe you already do, but being kind is such an important part of our lives. I might say I have used it as my central purpose in my life, but it doesn’t cost anything to be kind. Just smile at people when you meet them, greet people, inject a little kindness into every day life and you will get it back tenfold - as I said, I am sure you already do!

Finally as I wonder when I will next get some delicious pilchards and hope that I don’t have to wait for next Christmas I wish you all a very happy, healthy, joy filled and successful 2025. I will speak to you all again on here very soon.

Lots of love

Alfie xxx

I, along with millions of others watched the D-Day anniversary last week and as always it was humbling, emotional and we are full of gratitude for what so many did for us. I know that we shall never forget. Just the previous week I had been on a paddle steamboat with my son, near where we live along the North Devon coast going past the beaches that many of the soldiers trained on for D-Day. The same beaches we now get to sunbathe (OK, not often in North Devon), walk freely on, play on and swim from, were used to train to save lives and ultimately give us freedom. It’s another powerful and humbling thought.

I also have just returned from Amsterdam where I visited the Anne Frank House - again, the emotion that that conjured up was huge. Did you know that the Frank family had a cat and it was taken in by a neighbour when the family went into hiding? It was called Moortje.

All that got me to thinking about the role of animals in both the World Wars. I recently wrote a short piece on the famous WWI pigeon, Cher Ami - and that led me to researching the role of cats in the wars. In WWI it was reported that half a million cats were famously dispatched to the trenches. They had two jobs; their main one was to keep the rodent population down, which in turn protecting the food for the soldiers and secondly, they were used to detect mustard gas - due to their exceptional abilities to detect it before humans. It was also reported that due to this, cats became a solace and offered companionship for soldiers - which all of us cat lovers know makes perfect sense. Giving the soldiers their love was, I believe an important factor of cats in the wars. They were also deployed as messengers - famously during the Christmas ceasefire in 1914 they carried messages in their collars between Allied and German soldiers!

A famous cat of WWI was Pitouchi, who was adopted by Belgian Lieutenant Lekeux. He nursed the kitten back to health and then took him everywhere including close to the German front - it was there that Pitouchi saved the lieutenant’s life according to author Susan Bulanda - by distracting German soldiers who shot at - but missed the cat, and thought they’d got the solider so they moved on leaving both safe.

In WWII, cats found jobs in military barracks as well as on ships. Their primary job was also to keep food safe from rodents, but it was also believed that cats had a sensitivity that could detect bombs which was used at home as well.

Cats have always had roles on ships, which was no different in the wars. At sea cats have often been seen as lucky - sailors believe they keep them safe, but their most important role was to control the rodent population and ensure that the food was safe.

Tiddles the cat served Royal Navy ships in WW2 and clocked up an impressive 30,000 miles. And in the Blitz in 1940, Faith the church cat was seen to be psychic in how she saved her kittens from the bombing of St Augustine’s church, their home which was destroyed.

When we remember those who gave so much during the war, I always think we should save thoughts to the animals who served and when I look at my pampered cat, I also think of the cats who lived during the wars, and how much they also did for us. It’s such an interesting story - maybe there’s a fictional story that can come from it? Let me know what you think.

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In books both modern and classic, cats have featured prominently, often as magical, whimsical or fantastical creatures, which all cat lovers can identify with. Our cats have wisdom, they intrigue us, they often seem other worldly, intelligent, intuitive and at times elusive.

Both in children’s and adult books, cats have starred over the years, so here are a few of my favourite cat literary heroes - apart from Alfie of course.

Mog - Judith Kerr

Oh how I wanted a cat like Mog, forgetful, always in trouble… oh wait, yes I pretty much had more than one cat who could compare, but Mog always won the day and  who does that remind you of?

Image: Cover of Mog the Forgetful Cat, the first book in the Mog series by Judith Kerr

Cat - Breakfast at Tiffany’s - Truman Capote

A different extreme but this is one of my favourite Capote books and of course films. Cat here represented so much, and actually when I lived in London we had a nameless cat for a while who made his way at home in my flat share. I christened him Albert, but of course he never answered to that. He stayed with my flat mate when I had to move, but I visited him often and he lived until a good old age (although we had no idea how old!).

Image: Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote, first edition cover

Cat in the Hat - Dr Suess

I guess this cool cat needs no explanation. Again, a feature of my childhood the cat in the hat was one of the most dapper cats I ever encountered.


Cheshire Cat - Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland - C S Lewis

Magical cattery at its best. Comical, Silly, Mysterious, Insane, Sneaky, Cunning, Mischievous, Unpredictable, he would play trick on Alice, but also offer her incredibly good advice.

Kirjava, The Subtle Knife - Philip Pullman

A true mystical cat, who wasn’t always in cat form. But when she is, she’s beautiful. Philip Pullman is one of the best storytellers of our time, so you would expect nothing less from a cat of his creation.

Ginger - The tale of Ginger & Pickles - Beatrix Potter

Back to childhood, I loved Beatrix Potter and her animal creations were all so incredibly special. Such an imaginative story, Ginger, a Tomcat and Pickles terrier, were terrible shopkeepers who made no money. A tale that could only be told by Potter.

Mr. Mistoffelees, Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats - T.S. Elliot

There are so many cats to choose from, but Mr. Mistoffelees is a particular favourite of mine. A conjuring cat, he was described by Elliot as "the original conjuring cat", who is "always deceiving you into believing that he's only hunting for mice"

Please share your favourite cat book or character in the comments below.

Rachel x

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Please note, use my friendly and gentle training methods to ensure that your humans act in a cat-appropriate way.

We love our humans but they can be tricky. But here are a few simple rules:

• Treat them with kindness and respect at all times. Even if they are being difficult and not playing ball (literally at times).

• Being loving toward your human means you will reap the benefits in the long run.

• Never get angry with them, it may be hard at times but anger makes things worse - therefore always adopt patience.

• Humans are flawed, after all they can’t be cats.
  

The key to training your human is to recognise that they think they are in charge. Humans seem to assume that we are their pets but us cats know better. We know who’s the boss and keeping that in mind will not only make it easier to get your human to behave the way you want them to but it will also ensure that within your household, your humans, and their pets, (i.e. dogs and children) will all bow to your superior knowledge and intelligence.

In a nutshell, my fellow cats, stick with me, follow my simple training methods and you will have your humans eating out of your paws in no time. And talking about eating… Let’s just have a quick look at how to train your humans when it comes to food.

We all know how important food is to everyone, not just cats. Us cats are not all the same, we know that but, humans don’t always realise. We all like to eat different things. My favourite food is pilchards but George loves the cat food that comes out of a pouch - I always say there is no accounting for taste. But the point is that we deserve to eat what we enjoy, and we just have to let humans this.

First, it’s important to establish two things:

1. Letting humans know when you are hungry.

2. Letting them know what you want to eat.
   

When you are hungry, there are a few actions to take:

1. Miaow loudly and urgently, especially if you are ready for breakfast and your humans are still sleeping. Do not stop until you WAKE them up.

2. Go to where your bowl is, or scratch at the cupboard where the food is kept. Note: I have been known to actually get into my food cupboard, but the problem is that I got stuck so be careful.

3. Repeat above steps as many times as necessary.

To let them know what food you like/dislike:

1. Eat eagerly if you like food, lick your lips and purr appreciatively once you have finished dining. Praise your human by making a fuss of them. Humans love praise and if you rub against their legs, purr, and snuggle into them, they know they have done something right.

2. Leave food if you dislike it. If you are very hungry eat a bit but make it clear you dislike it by miaowing loudly and leaving the bulk of it in your bowl turn your nose upwards. Refuse affection. It might sound harsh but, if you don’t stand firm on your paws then you might never get food you like.

3. If necessary jump on the table when they are eating, to show you would like food a bit more like theirs. Humans seem to dislike us cats near their human food but if we need to make things clear and you’ve tried everything else, then do this. However, it is a last resort.

So fellow cats enjoy your purr-fect food after following my simple rules.

And I’ll be back with more human training tips for you, so stay tuned.

Love, Alfie xxx

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There is much that needs to be covered when it comes to where you sleep or rest round the house but for this section we will concentrate on your main place of slumber. After all, sleep is incredibly important to us cats, we are only as clever as we are because of the amount of rest we get.

Just as with food we do not all like to sleep in the same places all the time and our humans need to be made aware of this. I, for example prefer to sleep on either the sofa or in a chair on top of a warm snuggly blanket for some kind of naps, other times I am happy to find a sunny spot on the floor.

If I can sleep on a pile of clean laundry then I am in heaven (and for some reason a whole heap of trouble), and if there’s a cashmere jumper around - well, what can can resist? So, just to say that we cats deserve the best sleep, and we need to make our humans aware of this. Below are a few tips in how to train them.

• If your human buys you a bed you don’t like, refuse to sleep in it. If they put you in it, yelp loudly and jump out as if it’s on fire. They will soon learn. And if they don’t, just look at the bed with disdain, and the human will soon realise they are fighting a losing battle.

• If they try to ban you from certain pieces of furniture pretend you don’t understand. Humans don’t understand how clever we cats are, so playing dumb is a very good tactic. Same with the laundry, the bed.

•  If you like sleeping on a bed, which to be fair is where humans sleep so if it’s good enough for them it’s good enough for some of us, then just sleep there. Some nicer humans will share with you, but if they don’t then just keep doing it. Sleep in the middle of the bed if you really need to hammer the message home. Curl up with your human, as if you are doing them a favour - which to be fair you are. But if they don’t like you on their bed for some unfathomable reason, just persist. In my experience, humans tend to give up much quicker than cats do.

•  If this doesn’t give you the results you desire, after all humans aren’t always that quick on the up take, be persistent and consistent. Find your sleeping goals and just do it. I predict that you will soon have your human wrapped around your paw.

Good luck, fellow cats and enjoy your rest in your place of sleep fit for a cat!

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When I came up with the idea for Alfie - which I have talked about at length so bear with me if I repeat myself - I was inspired by a mixture of the cats I have had throughout my life. I was born with a family cat already installed and can’t remember a time when we were without one.

I truly believe that cats are incredibly clever as anyone who has read my book ALFIE THE DOORSTEP CAT will know. The first ever doorstep cat that I met definitely knew what he was doing!

I was seven years old and we lived near a farm. One evening I noticed a gorgeous tabby kitten sitting on the windowsill outside our living room. I went out to see him; he was very friendly, letting me fuss him and I delighted in cuddling him. I asked my mum if we could give him some milk and she agreed but she said she was sure he was a farm cat. So, while I watched him drink his milk, my mum phoned the farm and the farmer’s wife confirmed he belonged to them.

My mother, being very kind, dropped the cat down to the farm. However, he didn’t live in a house but in a barn. He was a working cat, not a domestic one, one of a litter of kittens born to help their mother keep the mice and anything else at bay. He was supposed to be a nice feral cat who kept the mice population under control - not unlike Dustbin in my books.

However, this cat was definitely not like Dustbin. He visited a few of my neighbours and they all said the same thing; he was going from house to house, anywhere but the barn where he was supposed to be. As he continued to visit I grew very fond of him and I got upset when my mother would - yet again - take him back to the farm.

Day after day the cat was back on the windowsill and this pattern continued. He would sit staring longingly into the house and I would stare longingly back. Then I’d go outside and play with him. I got to know him better in that time, I actually fussed over him a lot and he was a real softy.  I soon realised he didn’t want to live in a barn catching mice, he wanted to live with me and be pampered. I just had to convince my parents and the farmer of this.

As mum took him back to the barn again and again, I tried to persuade her and my father that he belonged with me. They weren’t convinced and my mum wasn’t sure that the farm would even give him up, but I was pretty sure he and I were destined to be together. I was determined and there was no way that the cat and I weren’t going to be together.

I even named him Tigger - my favourite character from Winnie the Pooh - and cried and whined and cajoled my parents until they were utterly fed up with me. When ‘Tigger’ came back yet again - he was as determined as me - my mum finally gave in and phoned the farmer’s wife again. After much persuasion she agreed that we could keep him and Tigger became my cat.

Or more accurately, I became his human.

Tigger lived with me for years, actually I moved out before him as I left to go to university. He was about twenty when we lost him. In all that time, although he hunted a bit and occasionally, remembering his roots brought a mice or bird home, he was a very sweet, domestic cat, who loved his cuddles and loved being at home. I will always remember that little face of his as he sat on our windowsill and I am sure that he knew exactly how to get what he wanted. But then again… so did I…

RIP Tigger and thank you for inspiring Alfie.

I’d love to hear your stories about the impact a doorstep cat has made on your life. Please share in the comments section below.

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Share It's A Cat's Life by Rachel Wells

Love is in the air. Or at least in Edgar Road. Perhaps it’s not the biggest of occasions in a cats life, but I am a romantic at heart, so I do like to celebrate Valentine’s day, cat style.

Once when I was wooing my Snowball, I tried a grand gesture, which involved digging up flowers, then carrying them to Snowball’s garden, climbing a tree and declaring my love. To say it didn’t go well is an understatement… I discovered carrying flowers in your mouth isn’t easy, and then I discovered I had a fear of heights and then I had to be rescued by firemen. What was supposed to be the most romantic moment of my life was the most humiliating. So no grand gestures for this cat…

But we had other fish to fry (oh how I longed for pilchards as my Valentine’s gift), because where as there was a lot of romance in Edgar Road, there was also someone who wasn’t happy. I’ll get to that…

First the good news. Snowball and I were still very happy, although our biggest wish for Valentine’s was to spend some time together, quietly. Because most days were filled with the grand kittens, a house full of children, and trying to keep our humans on track. Anyway, I digress again. So, George and Hana were also very happy, although parenting was keeping them busy of course. Most of our humans were great too - and now the children were growing up, there seemed to be more friends, or girlfriends and boyfriends and all sorts in our lives - I could barely keep up. But, and there is a big but. A row threatened to derail us.

Claire and Jonathan rowed a lot. They really were my first humans in a way and I bought them together, so as well as being my main house I felt responsible for them. And, well things had taken a turn. Let’s go back to a week ago when I was catching forty winks on the sofa and the kids were out with friends, Claire and Jonathan were home alone (apart from me and Snowball).

‘All I am asking for is one night out,’ Claire said. She had her ‘cross voice.’

‘And I said, I will take you out anytime but do we have to go out on Valentine’s night? It’s just so trite, all those couples sitting opposite each other as if they are only allowed to love each other one night a year,’ Jonathan countered. I secretly could see his point, but, sensing a row brewing I decided to keep quiet.

‘That is not the point, I just want you to do something nice for me, any time would be good but with it coming up… Frankie and Tomasz are obviously busy with the restaurant, but they are going on holiday together, just after, just the two of them.  Matt is taking Polly to see a play, and Marcus is taking Sylvie away for the weekend. What did I say when they asked me? I offered to babysit and we don’t even need to babysit our kids anymore.’

‘What about Theo?’ I put my paws over my ears as even I knew that wasn’t the right thing to say.

‘Connie is looking after him,’ Claire shouted. ‘And, not the point by the way.’ she stormed out. Jonathan scratched his head, he really could be quite clueless. I knew that if they didn’t sort something out soon then I would have to take action.

They didn’t speak to each other the next day. Or the next. Even Summer and Toby were concerned and as they were normally too attached to their phones to notice we all knew it was bad.  And with Valentine’s day coming up and still no sign of anything from Jonathan, I knew I would have to get involved.

‘So what do you propose we do?’ Snowball asked. ‘I mean, I understand that Claire only wants to be treated nicely but Jonathan’s never been very romantic has he?’

‘No, remember when he suggested they go to watch football for her birthday one year, and the time that he got her flowers from the garage because he forgot. They smelt of petrol,’ George added. I had called a crisis meeting. But this wasn’t going to be easy.

‘I had an idea. I thought I would drop clues to Jonathan by reminding him of all of Claire’s favourite things,’ I said. It wasn’t going to be easy but I knew I was a genius. If I dropped clues then Jonathan would maybe at least go and buy her a present.

‘But how do we do it?’ Snowball asked.

‘Well, here’s the plan. Claire is going shopping with Summer, Polly and Martha tomorrow, so we have limited time. We will try to collect the things Claire likes best, like maybe some of her favourite clothes, jewellery, and well, whatever else we can think of. We leave a pile somewhere Jonathan will see it and he’ll get the hint and go and buy her something.’

‘It's a long shot, Jonathan isn’t the quickest on the uptake,’ George pointed out.

‘Well it’s the best I can do. Also, if we can get him to take her out…’ I trailed off. I realised this plan might be a bit ambitious, even for me. I tried to explain it fully. I knew from when Claire did get gifts like perfume, scarfs, flowers, earrings they seemed to make her very happy. I kind of knew what I meant in any case.

‘And we can get the kittens to help,’ I suggested.

‘Good luck with that,’ George flicked his tail.

‘No, Alfie has a point. We put a few of her favourite things in a place where Jonathan will find them, like his slippers,’ Snowball said. I nuzzled her. That was love. She was trying to be supportive and that was what love was about. Just how to convey that message to Jonathan?

The plan was in place. As in place as it could be. Jonathan was watching football with Toby, Matt, Henry and Tommy. They were quite noisy so it gave me a chance to direct my troops. My troops being Snowball, George, and my grand kittens, Holly, Tiger and Santa. They saw it as a sort of game which helped.

It started well. We managed to get a nice silk scarf (Claire’s favourite), some of her underwear, just as an idea, not that I knew if that would be a good idea, a shoe she was fond of and even her expensive face cream - anti-wrinkle, and expensive - from her dressing table and we used our paws to push, and roll and our noses to nudge it all into a pile in Jonathan’s study. It wasn’t easy but we managed it.

He was wearing his slippers so we discounted that idea.

‘What about her jewellery?’ I asked. We went back to the dressing table.

‘You do know we only have paws,’ George said. ‘I mean we’ve actually done better than I thought we would already,’ he added, or conceded. I refrained from telling him I told him so.

Holly jumped onto the dressing table and started moving her jewellery box with her paw, not to be outdone, Tiger jumped up and they sort of started jostling to see who could do it first. There was a crash as it landed on the floor and her jewellery all spilled out.

‘Well, we can take some of it, now,’ Tiger said, puffing his body out. It was hard but Holly, with Santa’s help managed to get a long string of beads over her head. Tiger focused on an earring, pushing it with his paw which took a very long time as it was quite delicate.

Eventually I declared we had done it. There was a pile of things in Jonathan;’s study. And if he didn’t get the clue we’d left him about buying something for Claire, then I was definitely going to retire.

We made it downstairs and had something to eat and a rest. Jonathan would have to do the rest, we had done all we could.

I was woken up by Claire shouting again. Oh no, I suddenly startled, what had happened?

‘My jewellery is over the floor, my room is a mess. Look my drawer is open,’ she shouted.

‘But we were here all the time,’ Jonathan replied, sounding annoyed. We all rushed upstairs. In our excitement, we had made a bit of a mess I could see. Shoes were scattered and things were everywhere. I tried not to look guilty.

‘And why is Holly wearing my necklace,’ she said. We all looked at Holly who was playing with the beads with her paw.

‘What have you cats done?’ Jonathan asked, half horrified, half puzzled.

‘Look,’ Summer said as she came into the bedroom. ‘There’s all your stuff in Daddy’s study.’ They walked in and looked at the pile.

‘What on earth?’ Claire said.

Jonathan scratched his head. I stood on his foot. ‘Ow,’ he shouted then he looked at me. He turned to the others who all gave him the ‘surely you can figure this out,’ look.

‘Oh well, never mind. Go and pour a glass of wine and I’ll clear up, Summer can help me,’ he said. Claire tutted, took the beads from Holly who wasn’t keen on giving them up and left. I stayed with Jonathan and Summer. Perhaps I could help. Again. I nestled into Summer.

‘You know mummy was saying to Aunt Polly that you never buy her anything for Valentine’s and she’s sad that you’re not taking her out,’ she said. ‘And look, these are all the things she likes. Her favourite shoe, although there’s only one, her face cream, an earring, and that scarf, among other things.’ She narrowed her eyes and stared at me, then at her father. ‘Maybe this is a clue that you should buy mum something like this,’ she swept her arms across the pile.

Oh thank goodness I had one smart human at my disposal.

‘The cats?’ Jonathan scratched his head again. He did that a lot.

‘Well they are always trying to help, aren’t they?’ Summer said, picking me up and stroking me.

‘OK Sum, so what should I do?’

‘Let’s use your computer, I can help and mum might start talking to you again.’

Valentine’s day dawned cold but bright. I nuzzled Snowball, and George had already gone to see Hana. Everyone was together in a way that I liked it. Although I still wasn’t sure about Claire and Jonathan.

Claire made coffee and sighed a lot. I guess that perhaps it hadn’t quite worked out. But then Jonathan came downstairs and he had a big shiny bag with him.

‘I know I’m a terrible husband,’ he started. ‘And just because I don’t like Valentine’s day, doesn’t meant that it’s not important but I love you every single day and I always will.’

I felt quite emotional, as did Claire who shed a tear. He sat her down and started giving her gifts which were wrapped beautifully. There was a scarf, a pair of shoes, some beauty products and finally…

‘Oh Jonathan, diamond earrings, they are so beautiful.’

‘And so are you,’ Jonathan said. ‘And I have booked dinner for us tonight at your favourite restaurant.’

Claire wiped her tears and hugged her husband. ‘I love you, you silly fool and thank you. But I didn’t get you anything, sorry but I was cross.’

‘No problem. There’s always next year. I might give Alfie my list now,’ he joked. But it wasn’t a joke was it?

The day was full of love, but then I realise every day is, and that is why I am such a lucky cat. It doesn’t matter if you are in relationship, or single, or grumpy married like Jonathan and Claire, you just need to believe in love. It might not make the world go round exactly - apparently that’s science - but it certainly keeps this cat’s heart beating.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

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I feel that the cat’s new year starts a bit later than the humans. This cat anyway. For one reason Christmas with kittens is A LOT. I remember when my human children were very young, I thought it was exhausting and then George came along and I spent so long trying to rescue the tree and the decorations, I was run ragged. But then with three kittens, five children, Pickles the Pug and George, well this Christmas was brilliant, but oh so tiring. I needed to nap for a week - or two - to recover!

But, my lovely readers, Happy 2024. And as becomes an annual tradition, I like to set out my New Year’s resolutions, or rather my intentions for the year. Because my humans make me laugh the way they always seem to say the same things every year.

For example Claire always says she will drink less wine, and go to her yoga class more (by the way neither ever sticks), Jonathan says he’ll be less grumpy (lasts about five minutes tops)… You get the idea. So, when I set my intentions I make them a) more realistic and b) more for the good of the world, not just for me! And so, below I’ll share my intentions for 2024 with you and hope that everyone has a wonderful cat filled year!

1. 2024 is the Year of Kindness. I am calling for everyone, person, or animal, cat or even dog to be kind to others. Because there is nothing better than kindness.

2. It’s also the year of friendship. Appreciate the friends you have, the family, the pets and extend friendship where you can.

3. It will be the year of love. Remember love makes the world go round and we need the world to keep spinning. So fill it with love.

If you can share my intentions for 2024, we can spread the message and have the best year ever.

And there will be more stories about me and my friends and family this year. So stay tuned…

Famous Cat Love: Freddie Mercury

Not only a brilliant talent but a huge cat lover! His first cats were called Tom and Jerry and his love for cats grew from there. In 1985 he even dedicated his album - Bad Guy to his cats.

In total, Freddie had ten cats and he loved them all like they were his children. He made sure they all got special presents at Christmas and he even provided for them in his will.

Great cat lover. His favourite cat was said to be Delilah who he wrote a song for!

A Note from Rachel Wells

Happy New Year. One of my intentions this year is to bring you a new Alfie book, which might come via Substack. If this is the case then we need to grow this newsletter/platform and get as many followers as possible. If you could share the word then the sooner  we will be able to figure out how to bring the new book out here. I appreciate you all and how patient you have been for a new Alfie book, and I really do hope to bring it to you soon!

Rachel

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However, just in case you do want to wrap a present for us cats to put under the Christmas tree - providing that it hasn’t been destroyed already by said cat of course - I, Alfie the Doorstep Cat have put together a list of ‘purrfect’ gifts to give to your beloved feline. And a list that will suit every budget.

Firstly for millionaire cat owners - now I don’t expect any of the below but I don’t want to discriminate against rich cats and their owners either.

Designer Cat Collar

Us cats like to look good, in fact we pride ourselves in always looking our best. So a designer cat collar would be a great finishing touch for any cool call. I am particularly keen on Gucci - very stylish and would look good on the cat-walk (get it!!) Gucci Pet Collar link

Cashmere blanket

I admit I am partial to cashmere, and I don’t have my own blanket, but my owner, Jonathan has a couple of cashmere jumpers which I nap on when I get the chance (basically when he’s out. I always get in trouble for this but that’s another story). Ava Innes does a cashmere and wool cat sleeping bag which I definitely have my eye on.

Personalised bed

You could have a bed made especially for your cat and there is quite a range of cat beds, but I like this Chester & Cooke personalised cat bed which is also a bargain for any millionaire at only £85. It’s good if you have more than one cat because it has names on it. Although, of course cats can’t read.

Portrait

Every grand cat should have their own portrait on the wall - a bit like in the olden days when kings would have really big paintings of themselves. In fact, you can have a portrait of your cat done as royalty. I am not sure who came up with that idea, but it seems appropriate. And it’s not as expensive as it could be - prices are from £29.99 but expect to pay around £89.99 for a framed, larger print. This cat approves this art work. Purr & Mutt pet potraits

For more sensible budgets, here are some suggestions for inspiration.

• Cat scratching posts - There are such a variety that I’m not putting a link, but every cat loves a scratching post

• New cat bed - that one is definitely on my Christmas list because I do love a comfy, cosy bed to sleep in.

• Any soft blanket - don’t underestimate the love a cat has for a blanket and it doesn’t have to be cashmere

• A new bowl. It’s always a tradition in my house to get a new bowl every Christmas and we love it, especially if it comes with pilchards.

• Toys. I don’t personally play with toys but I wouldn’t criticise my fellow cats who do. There are some really fun toys available now as well. From toy mice to feathers, to bells and balls. Most cats enjoy such things. My son George has asked for a turntable scratching post because he likes to think he might be a cool DJ

• A lovely collar. Not necessarily designer, a lot of cats, including my girlfriend Snowball likes a new collar, in order to make sure she always looks her best.

• Food. My personal favourite. I love getting food at Christmas. Pilchards - have I mentioned them already - are my known favourite, but any treats, including left over turkey, or ham are very gratefully received.

• Also, here's a tip which I am sure every cat owner knows - we do enjoy boxes that many gifts come in, so when empty that is kind of a present for us. And also, my grand kittens love playing with wrapping paper. And they don’t cost a thing!

My and my family and friends Christmas list because we are definitely on Santa’s good list.

• Me: Pilchards, a blanket and peace and goodwill to tall

• George: A DJ scratch turntable

• Snowball - a pink sparkly collar

• Dustbin - left over food from the restaurant (Dustbin is a very undemanding cat)

• Hana - sleep (she’s a mum to kittens)

• The Kittens: Holly - a soft toy to cuddle, Santa - a ball, Tiger - hunting lessons

• Elvis - a television

• Rocky - a new bed

• Nellie - some new feathers to play with

• Pickles the Pug - anything he can eat.

If your pet is used to being treated like royalty and you have a budget to support that, or if you just want to buy your cat something they will love and appreciate, we have you covered in my very own gift guide.

And I wish a Happy Christmas and new year to all the cats out there and their owners.

Now go shopping.

Love,

Alfie

The Capricorn Cat by Astrologer Jessica Adams

December 23rd - January 20th

The Capricorn cat is born between December 23rd and January 20th. If he or she arrives on the cusp, you can order a chart based on time and place of birth to see if this really is a Capricorn (or a Sagittarius, or Aquarius). You can also find out free at astro.com.

Most cats who are born or adopted from December 23rd to January 20th are easy to pick, though. They are solid, down-to-earth, grounded and have very steady feet on a wall. They do suit colder weather, which they are born into, so the Southern Hemisphere Capricorn cats tend to hibernate when it’s hot.

They are winter cats and get a fine winter coat to protect them, no matter which hemisphere they are born in. They are ambitious animals who will view rivals as a challenge. If there is a dog in the home they will want to be top dog even if they are the wrong species.

They will always jump up on the bed or scale the armchair or sofa, because they view you as the top people they want to be with. Capricorn cats prefer to be with humans and any scruffy stray who turns up will not be given the time of day.

They are workers and will try to help you in your work too. This beautiful illustration from 1897 (both illustrations from Picryl) shows the artist with his brush and ink bottles, being carefully watched by a tortoiseshell cat.

Capricorn creatures also like lying on computer keyboards or will hang around the garden, hoping to help, when you are laying down spuds.

You can find out more about Capricorn the sign at jessicaadams.com

Jessica Adams and Rachel Wells’ first title in the Leo Moon Astrologer Detective series is The Aries Billionaire, an Audible UK exclusive.

Alfie’s Club

Alfie’s Club is celebrating Zhoë, shown here demonstrating her love of boxes. She is around 12-13 years old (her exact birthday isn’t know, only that it must have been around May-June 2010/2011)

Zhoë is a funny human-loving cat who always greets the guests by licking their fingers. She has a little cute dot on the nose which makes her look like she has a moustache.

She’s so sweet and is a funny pet who is loved to the fullest.

Wishing Zhoë, her human friends and all the other Alfie Club members a most magical Christmas.

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• It is the most wonderful time of the year - but not for everyone. I believe in kindness and compassion all year around but Christmas can be hard for people so just bear that in mind. It doesn’t need to take any joy from you, in fact thinking of others can add to your joy, trust me I know this, because this cat practices what he preaches.

• If your cat somehow ends up in your Christmas tree, or breaking baubles or wrapped in tinsel (that happened to me once), it is absolutely not their fault, so don’t shout at them. Cats climb trees, it’s in our DNA. I actually manage to avoid the tree in my house but that’s because I have a mild fear of heights.

• Cats are for life not just for Christmas. I mean pretty obvious, but still worth a mention.

• When it comes to money, take a leaf out of this old cat’s book. If you aren’t able to, then please don’t worry about spending too much. I think the best things about Christmas are free - carols, love, friendship and if anyone else disagrees then that’s just sad.

• You don’t have to spend too much on your cat but please show appreciation by either getting them their favourite food - pilchards obviously in my case, or a nice cardboard box. Perhaps some cat nip for a real treat. When making your Christmas list, just don’t forget us cats, because we are always on Santa’s nice list.

• Remember that December is a time for fun, not stress. People getting stressed by Christmas puzzles me. What kind of human logic would let you get stressed about a time which is supposed to be about fun? Take a deep breath and let the stress go.

• If you are lonely yourself, reach out. People will be receptive, and please talk to someone.

• Finally, I want to say that I feel so lucky that I have you guys to read my words and to appreciate me. This December and always I appreciate all my ‘Alfie’ fans and I want to take this time to say how much I value you all.

Happy December everyone and stay tuned because before Christmas I will be back with a special Alfie’s Christmas message for you all to enjoy over the festive period!

Leo Moon

A reminder that Rachel Well’s latest collaboration, an audio book about an Astrologer Detective is out now.  Leo Moon, Astrologer Detective, Aries Billionaire is an Audible exclusive and its cosy crime, set on a private island.

Also, Rachel managed to sneak a cat in. Ursa Minor is a magnificent Savannah cat, who belongs to Leo Moon’s mother, Helena Moon. She’s very loyal to her owner and a little spoilt but it wouldn’t be right without a cat!

Wanting to hear some more? You can listen to a free sample of Leo Moon: The Aries Billionaire thanks to Audible, click one of the links below:

Leo Moon: The Aries Billionaire - UK Audible link

Leo Moon: The Aries Billionaire - US Audible link

Leo Moon: The Aries Billionaire - Australian Audible link

Alfie’s Club

This week’s Alfie’s Club celebrates Schoeber, a British short hair with shaded silver fur, who was born on the 5th May 2017. His name, in the dialect where he lives (Goes, province Zeeland in the Netherlands) Naughty boy. But he is actually the most lovely and well behaved cat in the world. 

The story of how he got his name? His human friend explains “My grandfather had 10 children. The youngest was a naughty boy. My grandfather said: whe shouldn't have that last one, it's a Schoeber. He didn't mean it of course.  My mother told me that so often, so I liked that name for my cat.”

How he came in his human’s life: a friend of hers had a British short hair and a British long hair. The first time she saw those two, she felt in love. She said to her friend “I love them but I don't want a cat, because it will mean I can't go on holidays.” Her friend replied “I will take care of him when you are away.” A week later Schoebertje was there! We can certainly see why - he is simply beautiful.

Rachel Wells

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‘Can we play hide and seek?’ Pickles the pug asked. George raised a whisker at me. Pickles loved this game, but he hid in the same place every single time - under Claire (our owner’s) bed, with his bottom sticking out. But it usually gave us some time off from dog sitting him, as we could pretend to spend a while looking for him. And he always fell for that - but then he was a mere dog after all.

We said we’d count to whatever, it didn’t matter, Pickles couldn’t count. Off he rushed, excitedly, and George and I sat down where we were. Then I remembered. That morning, as a special treat, Jonathan (our other owner) gave us pilchards for breakfast. Pilchards are my very favourite food, honestly, I loved them. Whereas George devoured his, I was more careful. I ate half and then pushing my bowl to the back of the mat on which we were fed, decided to save the rest. I issued stark warnings both to George and especially Pickles who eats anything and everything, not to touch them. I was a very kind, loving cat - if I do say so myself - but no one comes between me and my pilchards.

I left George pretending to count - he was cleaning his paws - and off I went to the kitchen. Imagine the scene - the kitchen was empty; it was fairly dark because the lights were off and as I’ve already pointed out it was one of those dark British days. I quickly made my way toward my bowl. And the horror - it was empty. I looked again in case I had missed something but no, the pilchards were gone.

‘Yowl,’ I cried loudly, then again. This was not possible. I tried to calm myself, my beloved pilchards were gone. George rushed in.

‘What’s happened Dad?’ he asked.

‘My pilchards,’ I cried, gesturing to the empty bowl.

‘Oh no,’ he said, but did I detect a look of guilt? I wasn’t sure. However, I resolved I would get to the bottom of this.

‘Go and get Pickles, bring him here, I will question you both,’ I said.

‘Why are you speaking funny?’ he asked, not seeming guilty at all.

‘Just get Pickles,’ I commanded.

While he was gone, I went through the list of who could have stolen my pilchards. George, Pickles, of course as they were at home. But also, Snowball, my cat girlfriend had visited us earlier which put her in the frame. None of my humans were home but Summer and Toby had left for school after I had my breakfast but then that was silly as my humans never ate from my cat bowl - not since they were very small anyway and they only did it once. I don’t understand but apparently humans don’t like cat food very much. No accounting for taste.

Was there anyone else I thought as I waited to begin my questioning? I replayed the morning over again. Polly had brought Pickles round as usual, Snowball had visited, oh and George’s girlfriend Hana had also popped in… My list was growing. I did, however, rule out the humans. As I said before, no human has as good taste as us cats when it comes to food, although some like pilchards, they don’t like to eat off the floor in my experience. And when it comes to humans, I am a very experienced cat.

I took some time to re-evaluate the evidence. The bowl was empty, but it hadn’t been cleaned, so that ruled out one of the humans throwing them away. Also, I had trained my humans well to leave my food as I like to graze rather than just eat things all at once. I felt another pang of sadness for the snack I had been so looking forward to… I sniffed the bowl. It smelt of cat, but which cat I couldn’t be sure… It wasn’t me though and that was my first breakthrough in the case.

I could confidently deduce that the pilchards had definitely been stolen. And more so they had been a stolen by a cat, or perhaps a dog. Pickles spent so much time with us that he sometimes did smell a bit like a cat after all.

My current list of suspects were Pickles, George, Snowball and Hana. None of them, apart from Pickles showed the characteristics of a thief but you could never be certain.

George and Pickles entered the room. I told them to sit in front of me.

‘I have a very important question to ask you,’ I said.

‘Is it about football?’ Pickles asked.

‘No,’ I replied, ‘why would it be about football?’

‘Because I like football.’

I didn’t answer that. He is but a mere dog after all.

‘No, I have gathered you here today because a heinous crime has taken place.’

‘I told you he was talking funny,’ George said.

‘What’s a heinous? Is it a type of football?’ Pickles asked.

Honestly even the finest detective mastermind would struggle with these two.

‘A very bad crime,’ I said in Pickles-friendly language. ‘And I am going to solve it if it’s the last thing I do.’

‘Dad, can we get on with it, I mean this isn’t exactly Agatha Christie, is it?’

‘Ha, Wagatha Christie even,’ Pickles laughed. To be honest it was a good joke for him. ‘Is that a football?’

I shook my tail.

‘Exhibit one, my food bowl,’ I carried on. ‘You see that it is empty.’ Both George and Pickles peered at it. ‘And furthermore, I did not eat all my pilchards this morning, so that can only lead me to conclude that someone, some cat, or some dog has stolen my pilchards.’

‘Wasn’t me,’ George said, sounding annoyed now. He never liked to be accused of anything, even when he did it.

‘Wasn’t me either,’ Pickles said. ‘If it was I’d tell you.’

That much was true, Pickles confessed to everything he did. ‘George,’ I pushed.

‘Can I just point out master detective that I have an alibi.’

‘An alibi?’ This, I hadn’t considered.

‘Yes, as does Pickles. From the moment he got here today the three of us have been together, apart from when Pickles went off to hide and that was nowhere near the kitchen.’

‘Oh Pilchards! You’re right. I’ll have to go and question Snowball and Hana now, the shame of the rain will not stop this cat detective,’ I announced flouncing out.

I was pretty sure I could hear George and Pickles laughing as I went through the cat flap.

It was frustrating and my fur was wet. It seemed that Snowball and Hana were each other’s alibis. After leaving my house, the rain had started and so Snowball thought she would pop in to see Hana who had not long before left our house - Hana lived next door to us. And once there the rain was so heavy that they stayed in together. They both seemed to find it amusing, but when this cat detective cracked his case, then we’ll see who’d be laughing.

But for now I had nothing. The pilchards were still missing. George and Pickles were ruled out. Hana and Snowball were, unless they were both covering up the crime, the problem was that they weren’t the sort. Hana especially was so sweet and neither she or Snowball were food stealing types.

This detective was getting increasingly frustrated. I had solved a number of mysteries in my time, and I was pretty good at it - if I did say so myself, but thus far I was no closer to discovering the culprit who stole my pilchards. And I was hungry, wet and cold. I went back home and shunning attempts by George and Pickles to cheer me up I warmed myself on Jonathan’s favourite cashmere jumper. I knew I would be in trouble for that later, but I was too despondent to care. This cat needed some serious down time.

When I woke, I had a good stretch before remembering that I was in the middle of a case. I hopped down from the chair where I’d snuggled and went downstairs. Claire and the children were home, and Pickles had gone - I must have slept longer than I realised. George was nowhere to be found but the rain had stopped. It was time for me to resume my investigation.

I made my way out, via the cat flap and toward the patch of grass where my cat friends would sometimes meet. George was there, and I heard him telling Rocky, Nellie and Elvis - my other close cat friends - about my pilchards. I did not like the way he seemed to be mocking me.

‘Meow,’ I shouted. They all turned to look at me. ‘It is not a laughing matter. I saved those pilchards especially for my afternoon snack and some criminal stole them,’ I huffed. ‘And who could it have been?’  I glared at each cat, as I started pacing. Enough was enough. It was time to conclude this once and for all. I just hadn’t quite figured it out yet.

‘My first two suspects were George and Pickles, but I ruled them out as it happened, I was their alibi. I then moved onto the next suspects, Hana and Snowball because it was without doubt that they had been at the scene of the crime.’

‘What scene?’ Nellie asked.

‘My kitchen,’ I replied. ‘However, I soon ruled them out as suspects too. Which leaves me with-‘ I stared hard at everyone. I was running out of ideas and that was upsetting me. It was all so upsetting, and I was no closer to…

Just as I was about to give up, I smelt something. It was faint but distinctive. I pride myself on my very superior sense of smell after all. I looked at the cats in front of me. George, Nellie, Elvis and Rocky. I shuffled nearer to them, giving them each a good sniff as I did so. And by pilchards, I had it.

‘However, I know exactly who did steal my pilchards. The perpetrator of the worst of crimes against cats, the very worst.’ I paced some more. ‘Let’s review the evidence. Firstly, we know it had to be an outside job. Which means a cat who doesn’t live with us, and who we didn’t see visit. ‘I took a pause. ‘Secondly it was raining so the cat will still be a little wet from earlier,’ I announced. ‘And furthermore-‘

‘Dad, get on with it,’ George said.

‘OK, OK,’ I replied. ‘I can now reveal that the mystery of the pilchards is solved. And Rocky, you are the perpetrator.’

Everyone gasped.

‘No,’ Nellie said, her eyes wide.

‘Well, I never,’ Elvis added.

Rocky looked guilty.

‘OK, you got me. I can’t cope with this interrogation anymore. I confess.’ He threw himself at my paws dramatically. ‘See, I was out for a walk when it started raining. Your house was nearby so I came in through your cat flap. There was no sign of you in the kitchen and I was about to come and find you when I smelt the most delicious smell. I saw the pilchards in the bowl and I couldn’t resist. It was calling to me, I was weak, I was so weak. I ate them and I felt so guilty that I ran and got wet. It serves me right but oh Alfie I am sorry. Can you ever forgive me?’

‘Oh, he’s very sorry, bless him,’ Nellie said, giving him a nuzzle.

‘You have to forgive him,’ Elvis implored.

‘At least they weren’t my pilchards,’ George said, unhelpfully.

I knew that I should forgive him. He was my friend. But pilchards… But then I was such a kind cat, could I really hold a grudge? No, I could not.

‘Friendship is more important to me,’ I said. ‘I know you are sorry, so I forgive you. But next time just tell me.’

‘Yes, so we don’t have to listen to the world’s best ever cat detective all day,’ George said.

‘Wow, you’re so right George,’ I gave him a nuzzle as it hit me. ‘I am the world’s best ever cat detective.’

Alfie’s Club

This edition we are featuring Moonlight (Moon). He is 1 year 7months old and he came to live with his human family at the age of 9 months. He came from a local cat rescue centre. The reason he is called Moon, was because his favourite human friend spent much her of time during lockdown, Moon gazing with her 19 year old cat, Barford.

Moon is curious, energetic and full of fun. He scales the oak wardrobe in the bedroom like a mountain climber and has no fear. One day he was spotted walking on top of the neighbours roof and he managed to climb in to the "cat proof" bird feeder somehow. (shown the photo below)

Every day Moon likes to visit the neighbours two rabbits and sits on top of the mesh of their run watching them.  During the Summer months, he kept climbing on top of the garden parasol and balancing precariously. He loves life and finds joy in everything.

He is such a good cat, he has had to have antibiotics twice, caused by bites from a neighbours cat, and he takes them straight from his human families hand. No other cat in the family has been this agreeable, usually this was a two person job: one wrapped the cat in a towel, whilst the other opened their jaws to put the pill in. Moon really is a very special boy.

New Release: Leo Moon Astrologer Detective - Aries Billionaire

By Rachel Wells with Jessica Adams

I’m excited to announce the release of Leo Moon Astrologer Detective: Aries Billionaire narrated by Oliver Chris today, 23rd November, only through Audible.

In this, the first in the Leo Moon Astrologer Detective series, Aries billionaire Mike Kirby is celebrating his 50th birthday on his remote island with his unhappy wife, handpicked guests, a Blood Moon Eclipse and...oh and of course a rocket launch as billionaires are known to enjoy in their spare time.

A coma and a murder later, it’s down to astrologer Leo Moon to uncover the truth.

Join Mike, his wife Renee, her sister Rachel and Rachel’s husband Neil in their glamorous world of swimming pools, horoscopes and deadly secrets.

Link for Leo Moon Astrologer Detective at Audible UK

Link for Leo Moon Astrologer Detective at Audible US

Link for Leo Moon Astrologer Detective at Audible Australia

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Share It's A Cat's Life by Rachel Wells

There are so many stories I find fascinating about cats - which is one of the reasons I love writing about them so much. I had a friend who had a serious illness but didn’t know it yet. At the time her cat wouldn’t leave her side. Even followed her out and really tried to get her attention. She wasn’t sure why her cat was acting so strangely but when she did go to the doctor and got a diagnosis, the cat started behaving normally, although still more attentive than usual. My friend was convinced that the cat knew - and I have heard many similar stories in my time.

My friend’s story inspired me to start researching about ‘psychic’ cats - I think of them as having a very fine intuition actually, but one story I came across is about Jenny The Titanic cat. No one quite knows if it’s true but there has been enough re-telling through the ages to suggest that it is.

The story goes like this. As many ships and boats had cats for two reasons. They were there to work, the job of mouser was important aboard ships but as an extension they were also companions for those who were away from home for very long periods of time. I imagine that some were more pets, and we know our cats, they would have chosen who they befriended.

The Titanic was no exception. Jenny was their cat - she was a mouser and also a mascot. She had been transferred over from the Titanic’s sister ship and boarded the ship in Belfast. However, Jenny had kittens the week before Titanic sailed.

Jenny, according to stewardess Violet Jessop, the cat ‘laid her family near Jim, the scullion, whose approval she always sought and always gave her warm devotion.’ So, in effect Jenny was Jim Mulholland’s cat!

On April 10th 1912, while in Southampton, Jenny was seen carrying her kittens off the ship one by one. Jim, apparently saw this as a bad omen and he also disembarked. So, did Jenny save all her kittens and one of the crew? That is what legend suggests and knowing cats, I think we can definitely say it’s feasible that Jenny foresaw what no one else did.

Happy Birthday Lady Alfie!

My lovely cat, Lady Alfie is 16 years old this week. We adopted her from someone who was moving and couldn’t take her with them. It was heartbreaking. I remember shaking as I took her for the first time - it felt awful to take her from the only home she’d known and I felt so guilty. Her previous owner cried and I did keep checking but there was no way she was able to care for Lady Alfie any more. So, she came to live with us.

That was eight years ago and now I can’t imagine life without her. So please join me in wishing a very Happy Birthday to my lovely cat. Also, in the comments let me know what you do for your cat’s birthdays.

Famous Cat Lovers: Florence Nightingale

She once said, ‘cats possess more sympathy and feeling than human beings.’ Florence, who is often credited with being the pioneer for modern nursing, owned over 60 cats in her lifetime, her favourite was said to be a Persian cat named Mr Bismarck who apparently was partial to rice pudding!

She grew up with animals and cats became her favourite. In the Crimean war, she was presented with a cat to help with the rats which was a huge luxury, but it was post war that she built her family of cats, when she wasn’t as healthy as she had been. In her will she left provision for her cats and letters she wrote can be seen to have been decorated with paw prints from members of her feline family.

Alfie’s Club

This week in Alfie’s Club we are featuring two special cats who live in the same home. Bugo, a British shorthair grey with a touch of tabby, who will celebrate her birthday on November 22nd, is named after the loud sounds she makes when sneezing and snoring. Her snoring is so loud that it’s as she is shouting out “BUGO BUGO”. A playful and friendly cat, though she doesn’t like to be held by humans.

Also sharing the home with Bugo is Lady, who has very distinctive and quite striking white face markings, black mask and beautiful blue eyes. It appears she is part Siamese with her pointed ears and the dusty white colour of her body. She was an abandoned cat, adopted from a shelter on 11th November 2011. She is very sensitive, but full of curiosity - and when she hears the sound of cats fighting outside she tries her hardest to watch the fight out of the window.

November is certainly a special month for this pair of cats with a birthday and adoption date to celebrate.

If you would like to send us your pet photo, the details on what you need to send and how, can be found here: Alfie’s Club.

Plus be sure to include any stories about your cat - particularly the special friendship you have with them - in the comments below. We love celebrating the stories of your favourite cats.

Rachel Wells

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