ANIMAL instincts

Was Caroline's pet a better judge of character than she was?

- Jane Ayres

I think Princess has a bit of a dicky tummy,’ I said, cuddling my beloved fluffy tortoiseshell. Have you been giving her milk again?’

‘It's what cats drink, isn’t it?’ replied Greg, eyes glued to his phone while munching toast. We'd met through a dating app six months ago, and I’d initially been charmed by his good looks and banter.

I sighed. I’ve told you not to give her milk. She can't digest it properly.’

‘Sorry, Caroline,’ he mumbled, without sounding at all apologetic. Could cadge another lift to the office?’

‘OK, but I’m leaving in five minutes,’ replied, putting down a small helping of tuna for Princess. To my relief, she perked up seeing her favourite food and started purring.

Kissing the top of her head, grabbed my car keys, watching her silky tail disappear through the cat flap as we left, her bowl already licked clean.

However, was concerned when Princess failed to show at supper time.

‘I wouldn't worry,’ reassured Greg, popping a ready meal into the microwave. I expect that she'll come back when she’s hungry.’

But she didn’t and, by the end of the week, was frantic. I'd looked everywhere, contacted local vets she was microchipped) and put Lost cat’ posters on lamp posts and social media sites for missing pets. was heartbroken.