You know that sensation of half waking but knowing you have a good hour before its time to get up. You are cosy and comfortable and your mind is half dreaming but able to control what happens.

It's then that Toby decides to jump on my head and pull my hair. If that doesn't have the desired effect he proceeds to bite my ear. At this stage I give in and haul myself out of bed to let him out.

Once my feet touch the tiled floor I have to trot off to the loo and by the time I come back is it worth going back to bed? This morning I tried and nearly achieved the same dreamlike state when the nurse came. She has her own key but she does clatter about in the bathroom.

OK, I give up, and get up. Toby is sheltering in the alcove by the conservatory. As soon as I open the door he rushes in and makes a beeline for the litter tray.