As the remaining kittens were all growing up and becoming more independent of their mothers (and sometimes siblings), so they started to interact with youngsters from different families in the garden.

It was noticeable that food bowls were now not only shared by siblings, and napping and tussling was becoming something that happened between members of different families. New friendships were being forged between adults as well as youngsters; some of these would be enduring, some more short-lived.

Flora’s son Checkers cuddled up with Dawn’s son Sherpa. Sherpa had been adopted by Cheese when Dawn became tired of mothering, and Checkers had formed a strong attachment to Cheese. He became a cross between a big brother and a father-figure to Sherpa.

Storm’s son Tumbleweed sharing a bowl with She-ba’s daughter Sundown. Tumbleweed was everyone’s friend which meant that there was no one who would not happily share a bowl or a friendly tussle with him.

Dawn’s son Raven sharing a box with Pippin’s son Pascha. Raven and Pascha were essentially very different personalities. As kittens in the garden they had not really interacted, but as they grew up they became comfortable in each other’s company, relaxing together after meals and sharing their space.

Phantom’s daughter Shady and Dawn’s son Sherpa playing. Shady was older than Sherpa but, due to malnutrition, very small for her age. Being the runt of the litter, she had not been able to keep up with her siblings and had not had the opportunities to play and interact that a normal kitten would have. With Sherpa growing up in the garden, she at last had someone to play with and it brought out the kitten in her.

Pippin’s son Pascha playing with Dawn’s daughter Linnet. Pascha had lost a lot of his sight through a virus as a kitten and had not been well enough to interact with the other kittens in the usual way. Although his sight was permanently impaired, he was had blossomed into a big, healthy young cat and was making up for lost time and finding tussle-buddies among his compatriots in the garden.

The header photo shows Pascha with Sherpa – they had formed a close bond and Sherpa had become Pascha’s guide, his eyes, his constant companion.

She-ba’s daughter Moonstruck sharing a bowl with Dawn’s son Sherpa. Like Shady, Moonstruck was by far the smallest of her litter and, despite being several months older than Sherpa, was a similar size. She had a playful and gentle nature and got on well with all the other cats.

Twilight’s daughter Dawn and She-ba’s daughter Mini hunting together. It was unusual for Dawn to spend time with any other cats, and strange that she chose Mini. But they got on well and Dawn enjoyed having a friend in the garden.

And finally, Flora’s son Dandy Grey and Pippin’s son Pascha eating in the sort of configuration which only cats can manage successfully.

It was good to see the harmony which existed, and from which the human race could sometimes learn a lot.