The Cat wasn’t one for making much eye-contact, but when she did, her expression spoke volumes.

We saw her go from a scared feral cat, wary about the new humans who had suddenly arrived in her territory and taken over feeding, to the confident matriarch of her domain, overseeing everything that went on in her garden, and ruling the humans with a firm paw.

These five photos tell the tale of how she grew into her new role – and no, they’re not the most flattering pictures of her, but yes, they portray her character so, so well.

The early years – this photo was taken within the first twelve months of our arrival. It must have been a time of change for The Cat who was living in the garden and fields with her two sons, Ana and Pea Cat. From a handful of dry food whenever the owner visited, to daily dry food when we took over feeding, and soon afterwards to both dry and wet food, the quantity and quality of the food on offer increased rapidly. But The Cat was essentially feral and wary.

It took a while for The Cat to realise that we were a permanent fixture, but once she knew that humans meant food (but only ‘her’ humans, no one else was welcome), she became more questioning and curious, and less nervous. It was the start of building a rapport between us.

It took three years before The Cat allowed human touch and yet she would remain feral at heart for the duration of her life. With free-feeding in the garden, drive and path, other feral cats from the fields were starting to come to eat and The Cat was adopting an imperious air, as befitted the matriarchal role she was assuming over her domain – The Cat’s Garden.

Definitely not one of the best photos of The Cat, but nonetheless one of my favourites as it captured her spirit so well. She was always afforded respect and, unless there were ill cats who required special care, she would be fed first at mealtimes. She had assumed the mantle of Queen Of The Garden and Empress Of All She Surveys.

Here, The Cat was waiting in her special box where she would eat her meals in peace. Eyes closed, she knew that she had trained her humans well.

She knew she was the boss; her family afforded her the utmost loyalty and the Visiting Cats respected her.