The Cat was slowly but surely softening towards us. Yes, it was three years since we had assumed feeding duties and she was still not happy to be touched, but she was no longer nervous when we were around.

The photo above captured The Cat in a ‘save-me-from-those-kittens’ moment, when she wanted some time to herself, but the kittens wanted to play. Frustrated with her little family, she ran up an old ladder towards the humans’ terrace to escape – it was the first time ever that she had chosen human company over feline. We were suitably flattered and touched by the gesture. She really was softening.

Kittens duties apart, The Cat chose to spend her time in the garden with Number One Son Ana Half-Tail, who, as the dutiful son that he was, never shirked from his obligations to his mother. He was patient with the kittens, and he and The Cat had a strong, unshakeable bond, both content in each other’s company, yet both strong individuals.

Ana had a big territory to defend and he was spending longer away, meaning that other male cats were discovering the garden. While The Cat was pleased to welcome new gentlemen to the garden, Ana was most definitely not.