I open the front door cautiously, and Pinot’s amber eyes stare up at me from his grey, furry face. He turns, and lunges for the sisal rug beneath his paws, burying his claws deep into the pile and having a good scratch. I squeeze in behind him and give his back a stroke. On each stroke he emits a little yelp and raises his bottom in the air, his tail springing into action. At first, Pinot seems to enjoy being stroked but suddenly his tail starts to twitch as the floorboards a