Newcastle

Manchester

Nottingham

Swansea

Newcastle (well, 17 miles outside, actually...)

The digs here are very cat friendly. Probably more cat friendly than people friendly, actually. The converted stable block is surrounded by fields that are just right for feline adventures. Unfortunately, the weather is not too good for cats at the moment. It snows and blows, neither of which are particularly good for the coat. But in summer - or even spring - it will be heaven. The upstairs room has a very nice skylight, and later in the year, when the sun is higher in the sky, this will provide a beautiful patch of sun to lie in. At the moment, though, it doesn't make it off the wall.

There is a resident cat - a neutered tom, so he is a bit of a push over. He is very friendly, and rather dribbly, so it's worth making sure that he doesn't worm his way too far into your people's affections. But he will not challenge you for food, because he has a very weak stomach. He threw up at the smell of marmite!

Worse than the cat is the dog. I am not sure if he lives here, or just visiting, but he is big, black and loud. He seems to be rather thick - he just stands and barks, without achieving anything, but he looks rather young and boisterous, so he is probably worth avoiding, if possible. That's what I did.

Please also remember that horses' hooves are to be avoided at all costs. They are very hard and move very fast, and are attached to horses who can be very unpredictable. Especially to cats. Be warned!