Thanks tjohn, GG, Zhann, I don't mind telling that I'm 41 and you are all probably right I feel really empty without that tickle round the ankles when I walk around the house and the look and purr that says "it is now time for dinner" when I enter the kitchen. All cats I've had have come from The Cat Protection League, which is a charity here in Scotland whose sole purpose in life is to look after lost and abused cats and find them good homes. Maybe I should go visit them next week for a cuddle experience. Thanks all. Catlin