Maisie, or Disease Face as she was affectionately called, was not always the most friendly cat. Her likes included hissing at you, growling at you and on occasion scratching you. Ah, good times, good times. Despite this, in her old age she began to mellow. Sometimes she would rub affectionately against your leg to indicate that she wanted food or wished to growl at you some more.

Maisie (or after the breathing difficulties kicked in – Darth Maisie) was built like a brick. Whereas picking up our other cat is like trying to pick up wet sand – limbs seem to slip through your hands – Maisie was always awkward and unwieldy. I can’t remember exactly when or where we got her, but I’m fairly sure it was a good while ago at a rescue centre for mental cats.

So, farewell Maisie and we’ll miss you, until such time we see fit to replace you. Although next time we’ll specify a moggy that isn’t barmy.