Holly used to belong to the Bear's grandaughter but her dad wasn't into cats. He agreed to look after a friend's dog during the Christmas holiday some years back and Holly came to stay with us. She settled in well with the others and we were sorry when she had to go home.

Some months later the family decided to get a dog of their own and we were asked if Holly could come and live with us permanently. We readily agreed but the rest of the cats were much less welcoming this time. It was almost as though they were prepared to accept her as a temporary guest - but full-time residency was another matter. The twins were particularly aggressive - and remain hostile to this day - but after some initial growling ,Toby, Kipper and Ludwig grew to tolerate her even if it wasn't with open paws.

Poor Holly developed a 'hunted' look and was always on her guard against being leapt on or chased but she, in her turn, became a bit of a bully when younger cats joined the household. Parsley and  Chloe (kittens acquired in France) are very wary of her. She has a habit of lying in wait under the bushes and jumping out on them when they are innocently chewing grass.

She also likes to hide round corners ready to pounce on our legs as we walk past.

Holly will never use the same litter tray as the others and has been known to wee in the sink, on any newspaper left lying around, and even on the computer! She will only come on our laps when we sit on 'her' armchair and she will never attempt to sleep on our bed. However, given half a chance, she will dart upstairs and sleep on top of anyone who leaves their bedroom door open. Unfortunately, she dribbles . . . . .

Now that she is no longer the 'new girl' she has become less stressed and spends more time curled up comfortably indoors. She has put on weight over the last year and has a gorgeous, shiny coat. I'd like to think she is happily settled in France now.