I don't advocate de-clawing, since this operation removes a cat's major means of defence. Instead, with my herd, I've resorted to training, and most of the cats have graciously responded by heading for their kitty condo, a plywood construction that allows for stropping, shredding and mangling.

Only Yoyo, the youngest and least compliant of the cats, insists on using the bed as his personal shredder. He's been trying to claim it anyway, ever since my lovely tri-coloured Susu chose the bed for her day-lounge.

Yoyo, however, strops the corners only when I'm there, just to tell me and Susu, I suppose, who owns what.

He also knows that I'll push him off the bed as soon as he starts clawing. When I'm elsewhere, he does his best to chase Susu to the third floor, away from his "kingdom".

Unlike the other cats, who hiss and bat at Yoyo when he grows too obstreperous, Susu is no fighter. Lately, however, she has responded to his aggression with snarls, which at times develop into real rolling-around-on-the-floor cat fights. There's no blood but lots of fur.

Now Susu has developed a dangerous glare that's meant, I think, to warn the kid that any attack will be met with a determined defence.

If I let Yoyo shred the bed, would the situation improve? Probably not. Yoyo is taking advantage of Susu's gentle nature, and no amount of stropping will allay his aggressiveness.

Yet the issue may be heading towards a resolution. Last night, as I lay on the bed with Susu nearby, Yoyo launched another attack.

With his tail bushed out and his claws outstretched, he flung the upper part of his body at Susu, while his hind legs remained on the floor.

He missed. I waited for Susu to respond, but she simply glared, her ears flattened. Then, the unusual happened. His forepaws still extended, his hind feet still on the floor, Yoyo turned his head away and lowered his eyes.

What had caused him to take this respectful position towards Susu? I looked closer. Yoyo's claws were embedded in the sheets.

He was unable to move forward or backward. He was at Susu's mercy, and as her glare intensified, I could see she was enjoying Yoyo's helplessness.

When I unhooked him, he skittered out of the room. Today, I'm delighted to see the two cats sharing the bed together.

As soon as he sees me, though, Yoyo stretches luxuriously, then ambles over to his favourite corner of the bed, which he begins stropping with his most determined effort yet.

As I push him off the bed, I can't help thinking: with cats, it's always two steps forward, one step back. 

Questions about your pets? Fax (02) 751 4446 or e-mail laurie@nationgroup.com.