My sons love animals. The problem is that animals don’t love them back. It’s hardly surprising, given that the way my sons show their love is to try to pull tails, ears or fur - teaching them to be gentle is taking time.

New iPad app Meet The Animal Friends at least offers virtual animals who can be tapped without sending them hurtling for the cat-flap. It’s the work of a company called Little Brain, which specialises in software for children - although this is their first app.

There are four animals to discover: a cow, a lion chef, a cat princess and a sporty monkey. Each fills the screen, with your child encouraged to tap different parts and objects to get a reaction. For example, the lion can be tapped on his nose, hat, pocket and sleeve, as well as his soup and the surrounding gazelles.

Chances are your child will pick a favourite animal and stick with it for days at a time, of course. Still, while I’m teaching my kids that cats prefer gentle words and stroking to shouting and pulling, this may be the ideal stopgap!

App Store Link: Meet The Animal Friends ($0.99 / £0.59)