Floozie always made us feel aware what an honour it was to have an animal living with us. Besides (as you see) being astonishingly beautiful, she was always a bit wild and would never tolerate being picked up, yet would flop down on her side so that I could put my hand round her belly. I think I've characterised her pretty well in the Last Free Cat, though the real-life Floozie would never have tolerated being carried around as much as Feela in the book. Sadly the only time she never complained about being put in a basket was when she was being taken to the vets to be put down at only 12 years old.
I'm delighted people are taking an interest in the book. It was touted for major sales and honours but the publishers decided to put it out, against my wishes, as a 9-12, and it has failed to find its potential market amongst teens and adults: my biggest source of frustration in 25 years as an author, as it's unquestionably my best book and one which I hope people will agree has something to say about the way our society has developed and the dangers this poses to all of us. But it is a thriller, not an essay, and if it doesn't get you turning pages, I'll personally send you a refund!
