As Christmas fast approaches it is the time for giving, and as always we should remember it is never about the gift itself - it is the thought that counts...and often the thought that goes into the wrapping of the present is just as important as to what's inside.

For those who have cats and kittens you will know the joys that present wrapping time brings...for both you and your feline companion. For those who have never experienced sharing this special time with your cat or kitten, follow these few simple rules...

1.    Clear large space on table for wrapping present.

2.    Go to wardrobe and collect bag in which present is contained, and close door.

3.    Open door and remove cat from wardrobe.

4.    Go to cupboard and retrieve rolls of wrapping paper.

5.    Go back and remove cat from cupboard.

6.    Go to draw, and collect transparent sticky tape, ribbons, scissors labels etc.

7.    Lay out presents and wrapping materials on table, to enable wrapping strategy to be formed.

8.    Go back to draw to get string, remove cat that has been in the draw since last visit and collect string.

9.    Reopen draw and re-remove cat.

10.    Remove present from bag.

11.    Remove cat from bag.

12.    Open box to check present, remove cat from box, replace present.

13.    Lay out paper to enable cutting to size.

14.    Try and smooth out paper, realise cat is underneath and remove cat.

15.    Cut the paper to size, trying to keep the cutting line straight.

16.    Throw away first sheet as cat tried to chase the scissors, and tore paper.

17.    Cut second sheet of paper to size. By putting cat in the bag the present came out of.

18.    Place present on cut to size paper.

19.    Lift up edges of paper to seal in present, wonder why edges now don't reach, and realise cat is between present and paper. Remove cat and retry.

20.    Place object on paper, to hold in place, while cutting transparent sticky tape.

21.    Carefully remove transparent sticky tape from cat with pair of nail scissors.

22.    Seal paper down, with transparent sticky tape, making corners as neat as possible.

23.    Look for roll of ribbon, chase cat down hall, in order to retrieve ribbon.

24.    Try to wrap present with ribbon in a two directional turn.

25.    Re-roll up ribbon and remove paper that is now torn, due to cat's enthusiasm to chase ribbon end.

26.    Repeat steps 13-20 until down to last sheet of paper.

27.    Decide to skip steps 13-17, in order to save time and reduce risk of losing last sheet of paper. By retrieving old cardboard box, that you know is right size for sheet of paper.

28.    Put present in box, and tie down with string.

29.    Remove string, open box and remove cat.

30.    Put all packing materials in bag with present and head for lockable room.

31.    Once inside room, lock door and start to re-lay out packing materials.

32.    Remove cat from box, unlock door, put cat outside door, close door and re-lock.

33.    Repeat previous step as often as is necessary. Until you can hear the cries from the cat outside the door.

34.    Lay out last sheet of paper. (I know this is difficult in the small area of the toilet. But try your best)

35.    Realise cat has already got to the paper. Unlock door go out and hunt through various cupboards, looking for sheet of last years paper, until you remember that you haven't got any left, due to cats help with wrapping last year.

36.    Retire back to room lock door, and sit on toilet whist trying to work out how to make torn sheet of paper look halfway presentable.

37.    Seal box, wrap with paper and start repairs by very carefully seal down tears with transparent sticky tape. Now tie up with ribbon and decorate with bows to hide worst effected areas.

38.    Label, then sit back and admire your handiwork, congratulating yourself on making good of a bad job.

39.    Unlock door, and go to kitchen to make drink and feed cat.

40.    Spend next 15 minutes looking for cat, before coming to obvious conclusion.

41.    Unwrap present, untie box and remove cat.

42.    Retrieve all thrown away sheets of wrapping paper, feed cat and retire back to room for last attempt, making certain you are alone and the door is locked.

43.    Find least torn and wrinkled sheets of paper, along with the ones that the pattern matches closest.

44.    Vainly try and wrap present in patchwork of paper. Tie with the now tattered ribbon and decorate with the now limp bows. Label and put present in bag, for fear of anyone seeing this disaster.

45.    At time of handing over present smile sweetly at receivers face, as they try and hide their contempt at being handed such a badly wrapped present.

46.    Swear to yourself that next year, you will get the store to wrap the damn thing for you

Written by Mark St. Jefferson