I am retired from residential child care for teenagers with emotional and behavioural problems. I was brought up with cats and have been Mum to some wonderful ones all my life. My first one I brought back from South Africa with our dog in the 1970’s. They both lived to 18 years old. I’ve had mainly “moggies” but some Bengals too. My last little lady who died very recently was aged 17 years and 7 months….would not tolerate dogs visiting but adored my spaniel and cuddled her daily. It feels very strange without her.