We were having lunch when we heard this squeaking sound coming from the conservatory.

CC and I went out to investigate. The twins and Parsley were stretched out on the armchairs but little Chloe was staring at the corner under the door. We couldn't see anything so we went back to our food.

A few minutes later CC called out, "There's a mouse!" and I caught  glimpse of a small brown shape scuttling for cover behind the radiator. Chloe watched but didn't pounce.

It was a shrew and it was climbing up the wall behind the radiator well out of reach of the cats - or us.

We wondered whether one of the cats had brought it in while the doors were open this morning or whether it had foolishly walked in by itself.

Parsley came over to sniff the intruder but went back to her siesta. There was nothing we could do while the little visitor was rockclimbing out of reach so we left them to it.

Some time later we saw Chloe in hunting posture by the litter tray. It took a combined effort to catch the tiny creature - CC lifted the tray and I pounced with a pot - and then we put him outside in safety.

He seemed rather disorientated at first but then made for safety under some stones.

We have kept all the cats in to give him time to make a complete getaway.