"Felines are just so beguiling aren't they? Most cat owners would probably admit their pet is a walking paradox. Affectionate one minute, aloof the next. Stealthy and secretive, yet mischievous and playful. They're certainly fickle: when I was growing up, two of our cats just sauntered off down the road to live with someone else. Rude.
Perhaps what makes cats so fascinating is their obvious belief that they're just better than we are. Ah, we might call them our pets, but they're beholden to no-one. A recent Japanese study proved it. The research confirmed that cats absolutely can differentiate between their owner's voice and a stranger's – but they'll still only come when called by their owner if they darn well feel like it. Bothered? Meh.
As a species, the domestic cat provides endless material for writers – they're wonderful creatures to anthropomorphise – and, as such, children's literature is awash with feline villains, heroes and dappy, comical figures. Here are my 10 favourites."
Pip Jones is the author of Squishy McFluff: The Invisible Cat! When Ava discovers an imaginary cat in the cabbage patch, she knows she's found a new best friend. Together, Ava and Squishy McFluff get up to all kinds of mischief.
1. Gobbolino The Witch's Cat by Ursula Moray Williams
This book is a true classic, which will entrance young children now as much as it did back in the 1940s when it was first published. Gobbolino is born different. He's not black all over, as a witch's cat should be. One white paw and the tabby sheen to his fur are indicative of his desire to be a cosy kitchen cat, loved by humans. But the kitten has to endure a long and winding journey on the way to finding his destiny.
2. Atticus Claw by Jennifer Gray
To name him in full, the crazily charismatic Atticus Grammaticus Cattypuss Claw begins his adventures as the world's greatest cat burglar, a thief who can't resist a challenge (or the potential rewards). Yet, through the series, Atticus's life will take a different steer and children aged 7+ will lap up his transformation from a thief to the world's greatest police cat.
3. Tabby McTat by Julia Donaldson
Tabby McTat is a busker's cat – or at least he was, until he got separated from his owner. Fans of the wonderful Julia Donaldson will love the rhyme (as perfect and punchy as it ever is) and the tale of a streetwise tabby who accidentally discovers the finer things in life, but just can't stop thinking about his long lost friend.
4. Mog by Judith Kerr
The Mog books have been enjoyed by countless children since the 1970s but, just over a decade ago, Judith Kerr did something rather brave with her adored feline – she sent Mog to heaven. Mog helps a new kitten settle in to the family home before ascending completely, and it's hard to imagine anyone else tackling the sensitive subject of loss quite so straightforwardly and yet quite so gently.
5. The Cat in The Hat by Dr Seuss
Theodor Seuss Geisel's zany creation was intended as more than just a mischievous odd-ball who would rock up and wreck the house of Sally and her unnamed brother (much to the disgruntlement of a very sensible goldfish). The Cat in the Hat was specifically designed to spark the imaginations of early readers, who appeared to be finding the traditional 1950s Dick and Jane books as dull as dishwater. That Dr Seuss succeeded is inarguable. His crazy cat will most likely be in print forever.
6. The Cheshire Cat by Lewis Caroll
I still always feel a bit spooked when I think of Caroll's otherworldly Cheshire Cat, who flits between offering Alice largely sensible advice, and then just amusing himself by deliberately irritating her. And as for disappearing to leave only his distinctive grin behind, well, talk about playing with your mind. He's insanely brilliant.
7. Mrs Norris by JK Rowling
That it was the "dearest ambition of many to give Mrs Norris a good kick" perfectly surmises why she makes such a superb character in the Harry Potter books. The feline sidekick of Argus Filch is a highly intelligent, particularly nasty snitch, who stalks Hogwarts' grounds and reports back any evidence of students misbehaving. Wonderful.
8. Six Dinner Sid by Inga Moore
When cats go out, their owners like to imagine them off having adventures, skulking around, climbing trees, being wild and all that. But it's probably more likely they're next to someone else's fire three doors up, having finished their third (why hunt?) meal of the day. Six Dinner Sid is one such character. It's a sweet story of a cat who really thinks he's got it sussed, with all six owners believing Sid belongs to them… until they all find out. Busted!
9. Slinky Malinki by Lynley Dodd
"Slinky Malinki was blacker than black, a stalking and lurking adventurous cat." Lynley Dodd's imaginative rhyme is utterly addictive and Slinky Malinki himself is the embodiment of feline mischievousness. By day, he's cheeky and friendly but, when night falls, the rapscallion cat can't help but prowl the neighbourhood, thieving whatever takes his fancy.
10. Macavity by TS Eliot
While many villainous cats prowl the bookshelves, I think TS Eliot's Macavity takes top prize. Why? Because he'll never be turned, and he'll never be caught! Soon to be re-released in picture book form, a whole new generation will be wowed by the illusive Macavity (said to be Eliot's feline version of Sherlock Holmes' nemesis Moriarty) and enjoy the spinetingling rhyme: "He's the bafflement of Scotland Yard, the Flying Squad's despair, For when they reach the scene of crime – Macavity's not there!"