Mr Tiffin was originally known as The Boyfriend, being a great admirer from near and far (but preferably near) of the beautiful Sprocket, a daughter of The Cat. He was maybe a year older than Sprocket, still lean and lithe in appearance and, with the exception of one scar across his nose, unmarked by battle.

There is a strong possibility that he was sire to Pedal, a son of The Cat. They shared similar grey and white markings and an absent-minded air which often led to one leg being ‘left behind’ when reaching the top of the tree or ladder, and a propensity to wobble absent-mindedly whilst precariously perched. They also shared a love of the water bowl adjacent to which they slept contentedly, sometimes with an elbow, arm or leg casually dipped in the dish – all traits subsequently passed on to Pedal’s son, Little Bang.

After the untimely demise of the beautiful Sprocket, Mr Tiffin continued to visit the front path, the scene of many happy times for them and home to a most welcome water bowl. Eight weeks and a day after her departure, Sprocket whispered in a human’s ear that she thought it may be Mr Tiffin’s birthday, and could some kibble be left outside the front door as a gift for him? The answer was affirmative and from then on a handful of dry food was left (and accepted) each day at dusk.

Over the next few months the handful of food grew to a dish of food, then a dish of wet food with a side of kibble. The Boyfriend became Mr Tiffin and matured into a fine individual, gaining in confidence and learning to stand his ground with the other males of the neighbourhood.

The food supply matured into a free-feeding, eat-all-you-like 24-hour drop-in centre for any felines who happened to be passing, mostly blissfully unaware that they have Mr Tiffin and the beautiful Sprocket to thank. Their legacy lives on.