My heartfelt thanks go to:

Elke Bosurgi, untiring cat lady and dear friend

Oscar La Manna, guardian of Sicily’s feline waifs and strays and wonderful colleague

Guy Liebenberg, vet in a million

Animals’ Voice, which supports small projects like Catsnip

Mario Pavone, wise commentator on Sicily

Valeria Cundari, defender of animal rights

Nigel and Marit, Elizabeth, Barbara, Joy and all whose donations have made this work possible

Kathy, dear colleague and translator of cat behaviour

Andrew, dear companion and navigator on this endeavour

My beloved cat, Sheba, constant writing companion and stress buster

And all the cats and cat ladies I have had the pleasure of knowing.