Earlier and earlier

In theory, Mr Perkins has his supper at eight o'clock. In practice, he has it at seven.

For a while, his coming in coincided with supper time. His furry brain seems to have convinced him that this is cause and effect. So if he wants his supper and whinging doesn't work, he goes out and comes back in again, all expectant-like.

Now he has a new trick. He sits on the step by the stern door, as if he wants to go out. When you get up to let him out, he runs down the steps all expectant-like. He says he's been out and he's back now, so it must be supper time.

His demands seem to get earlier and earlier. Today, he tried his luck when I got back from work; that's far too early. He tried again at the time shown on the clock; denied. He got it at seven, as he's meant to.

Oh, and did I mention he does the whole rigmarole again later, as if no supper has been had?