Now, however, they're facing the ultimate feline horror - a closed door. No longer can they wander down to the ground floor.

After so many floods, the workmen have started raising the floor. A few days ago, all my ground-floor paraphernalia was moved upwards. I stumble around chairs and refrigerator, sofas and bookcases, stubbing toes and twisting ankles.

The cats don't crash into anything, gracefully zipping around stuff in unusual places. Even the turtles who live on the second floor are happy, having discovered how baskets leaning against stairs are useful steps to the third floor.

The only problem the cats have yet to master completely is the placement of their litter trays. With all the junk around, the trays are much too close to their food plates, and they're uncomfortable with the situation.

The cats don't mind the smell. It's their calling-card, telling the other cats that the territory has been claimed. Each cat knows who has used the litter tray last because the urine also indicates that particular cat's sexual status, age and all the other bits of data of interest to the feline community.

Although the information in the urine is welcome, any cat prefers to access it away from the dining area. Even in the wild, cats eliminate a distance from their den to avoid advertising where they live.

Readers who face difficulties about stray cats urinating on their verandas might take advantage of this instinct. The best and, to my mind, easiest way to discourage repeat feline urinators is to put cat food where they've been messing.

They'll enjoy a lovely meal and go elsewhere for uploading and downloading personal information. You'll end up with a lot of happy cats, a better-smelling veranda and a pleasant environment.

If you do start feeding strays, however, you shouldn't stop. The animals come to depend on your largesse. They might even set up housekeeping too. Be prepared for lots of kittens. Then, the best thing to do is to capture, neuter and vaccinate them. It is the youngest generation that can be helped the most easily.

My cats, of course, have no choice in the matter. Their favourite litter tray is in the upstairs bathroom, which now also serves as a kitchen. Pan-Pan stares at the tray warily, then paws at the rim. Finally he jumps in. Nature calls, even though it seems all wrong.

Now, with the door that the workmen put up between the first and second floors, the cats are under additional stress, not understanding the dangers of a construction site.

As soon as the door's finished and the workmen leave, Yoyo and Angel run downstairs and discover the barrier. They stare silently at it. Yoyo tries a little push, but the door holds. Angel wanders away to commune with turtles.

Throughout the night, Yoyo sits by the door whimpering. Not only has his territory been reduced, but his freedom has been curtailed.

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

By Laurie Rosenthal