Its ratting time again!

Entrails are making their appearance again on the bathroom mat, the cats appetites are mysteriously waning and its getting colder by the day. Autumn always brings many things to the midlands - besides the gorgeous clear days (before the burning season begins), changing colours that take your breath away and of course an increase or decrease in the rodent population.

Blue seems to have a permanent smirk on his face now, as if he knows how good he is. At least he's considerate enough to leave only minimum entrails now. The other cat Zeb, not so experienced just leaves a bloody mess - literally! To put your feet in it first thing in the morning when blinded by sleepiness is not funny.

I don't mind the rats they kill, but we usually rescue the little field mice. They are so cute, brown and striped and we feel sorry for them. That can involve a comedy of sorts as it plus cat runs around the house, cat trying to catch mouse, us trying to catch cat/mouse - whichever you can get first!