London, Oct 27 (IANS): Foxes are "very affectionate" like cats, says a 64-year-old British woman who shares her three-bedroom bungalow with three foxes - Minette, Chico and Billy. The foxes play hide and seek with her and each night "insist on a kiss and a cuddle before bedtime".

Jane Shepherd, from Whittlebury in Northamptonshire, lives with the two females, Billy and Minette, and one male fox, Chico.

Minette and Chico, now six years old, were both young pups abandoned by their mother. Billy was rescued as an adult after a car accident.

"They are very affectionate - Chico loves to cover my face with kisses. They are actually a lot like cats rather than dogs," she told Daily Mail.

"Foxes are very independent, wilful and curious creatures. They are very quiet and great at sneaking up on you when you're not looking."

"Hide and seek is a favourite game of theirs - they think it's hilarious. Foxes can be naughty animals to live with but they are so delightful at the same time. You just can't get angry at them."

"Each night they insist on a kiss and a cuddle before bedtime," she said.

"Foxes usually revert quickly to their natural behaviour after they've been in contact with humans. But despite best efforts, because of their friendly personalities, some foxes just want to stay close to people."

"This means it's not appropriate for them to be returned to the wild. They would approach people and possibly make a nuisance of themselves."