Cryptic crossword No 2,596

[22d seems to be wrong?]

Great start with 1a, very much in favour of kicking off with a whimsical cat.

Enjoyed this thank you. Can't quite see where CI fits in with 22d. Like you am relatively new setter and my biggest challenge is the surface readings. I think 1a, 10a, 7d, and 14d are some of the best here. Would query if 12a is grammatically correct but appreciate how the clue works.

Thanks SwanseaJack - lots of good stuff here, which made for a very enjoyable solve, with good surfaces - especially 1a, 10a, 26a, 2d, 8d. 12a is much better with the new linkword.

I liked 10a and 1d and enjoyed the puzzle as a whole. The device in 22d was clever, but maybe could have been signalled a bit more clearly.