I’m always amazed by how many plastic bags our groceries come in when we get a delivery from a supermarket, especially when you consider that whenever I actually do a big weekend shop, I can manage to get the same amount of stuff in about five of six. I think that’s a habit I’ve retained from the days when I didn’t drive, and learned the trick of doing a weekly shop and carrying the groceries back home in as compact a way as possible.

Why do cats like plastic bags? Aside from the obvious attraction of the rustling sound they make, of course. A commenter has noted that some cats like to bite the – something I’ve noticed Bella loves to do as well, though she prefers upmarket bags from Waterstones the booksellers or the handles of carriers from Next. It may be the particular plastic that they use that attracts them – Smudge loved a plastic bag tidy from Ikea; it got a catnip-like reaction from her.

I really shouldn’t have to say this but don’t forget, cats and empty plastic bags do not mix. Don’t leave your cat unattended with anything that might potentially suffocate them.