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1 SLIPPERS: Use them to feel the way.

2 HEEL FIRST: On carpet always bring the heel down first.

3 FEET STRAIGHT: On carpet, to avoid a giveaway ‘rip’ as your foot brushes against the pile of the carpet, it’s vital that your feet are straight so that the big toe points the way.

4 EDGES: Avoid creaky floorboards by treading on edges near the wall, especially on staircases and bare floors.

5 ATTIRE: Remove noisy clothing to avoid ‘trouser swish’. Corduroy is a favoured fabric for hunters because it’s relatively quiet.

6 SWITCH OFF: Don’t fret, just believe you won’t be heard. The leopard doesn’t have self-doubt as it stalks its prey; nor should you.

To avoid squeaks when opening a door, dab some cooking oil on the hinge with a tissue. It does its work in seconds. To be doubly sure, apply upward pressure as you turn the handle.

A note on carpets: the shorter and tighter the weave, the noisier the carpet. Shag pile is preferred for stalking in slippers. On natural flooring, go for socks; never stalk in bare feet (unless powdered) in case they stick.