The Cat’s relationships with her daughters changed as they grew up.

The year after we lost Ratchet, The Cat and Sprocket gave birth to their litters only a few days apart; they brought their kittens up together in one big family in the garden. The Cat and Sprocket were very close, and, although they were quite different characters, they made an excellent team; Sprocket was the organiser, the anxious first-time mother, whereas The Cat was much more laid-back and relaxed. When Sprocket was killed on the road a few months later, The Cat grieved deeply.

Whitefur was a strong, independent character from day one and, as she matured, she decided that she preferred living in the fields opposite (as did her brother, Greyfur). She still returned most days to eat, and would spend time with The Cat afterwards, washing and napping together, before heading back to the fields. The Cat drew comfort from having her daughter nearby in her later years.

Flora was always strongly bonded to her mother. She made the garden her home and was a good companion to The Cat who was feeling her age. They were never far apart, eating side-by-side and dozing together in the garden.

Despite the very different characters of The Cat’s adult daughters, they were all 100% loyal to their mother in their own way, although each relationship was different.