So remember back when I thought I had Luna protected by putting up plastic mesh on the balconies? Well that was before she became an escapista, climbing everything in sight. That is, when she’s not hurling herself through the air and sticking like velcro to soft furnishings, or stealing biscuits out from under Azar’s nose while he’s eating, or doing a tight-rope style walk along the top of the tv in my bedroom, or… well, you’re getting the picture. This little ninja kitten needs disciplining!

Thing is, she is impervious to “angry voice” and the snapping of fingers, which always used to work with Sunny, and also works with Loki. And if, for example, I shut her in my bedroom while Azar eats, she gets into my closet and starts climbing my clothes or does the tv thing. And so I have resorted to something I have never had to do before – use spray bottle aversion tactics on her. I did wonder if this would have any effect as she clearly doesn’t mind getting her paws wet, but luckily it turns out she totally hates getting sprayed.

As I’ve often said, I don’t worry much about things like furniture and curtains, but when it comes to annoying habits, and especially safety, one has to draw the line. So spray bottle offences include: climbing up the railings on the balconies, stealing Azar’s food, jumping up on kitchen counter, and climbing my bookcase/scrabbling at closet doors at 6.00 in the morning hoping that I’ll get up and feed everyone. And guess what? It’s working!

Nobody is more surprised than I am. This morning while Azar had his umpteenth snack (he has turned into a real grazer and requires several small feedings a day) Luna sat on the sofa while we stared at each other and, although I could see she was getting twitchy listening to Azar crunching away, she didn’t budge. And it’s been a few days since she’s tried the bedroom bookcase stunt. Now I just hope she’ll stop climbing the railings…