CONFLICTING IDEAS ABOUT CATS

Cats, much like Vegemite, seem to inspire either great love or wild hatred. Where in other countries, the topic is simply a matter of preference: ‘‘cat or dog person?’’. Here, it’s closer to ‘‘cats: sadists and natural bornkillers’’ (in the words of Gareth Morgan) versus ‘‘Cats – best friends and life companions’’. I understand the hate cats may get – after all, they are a real threat to native birds (see point 3). However, I can’t help being amused by the fact we live in a country where the most outrageous animals are cats and possums (and not snakes and spiders).

Lila Pitcher: ‘‘What I’ve learnt – bad coffee is more destructive to relationships than Monopoly.’’