The verandah was at the back of the garden, set back under the first floor terrace. In bad weather, it provided shelter for the cats either in boxes at the back and sides of the verandah, or on top of the water tank which was set on one side and covered with a waterproof tarpaulin and soft garden netting. In the winter, the morning sun came around the corner of the verandah around breakfast time, first picking out the top of the water tank and making it the best place for cats to catch the sun and warm up after a cool night.

This was one of The Cat’s favourite spots and here she would retreat after breakfast, taking up her usual position at the back of the tank where the sun would find her before anyone else. In her position as matriarch, this was her prerogative and, with her family gathered around her, they would wash and nap, some of them later heading off into the fields, and the others staying in the garden.

Today, please enjoy six winter morning scenes from the verandah, each featuring The Cat and various members of her family.

1. L-R The Cat’s youngest daughter Flora, The Cat, Flora’s younger daughter Pippin, The Cat’s older daughter Whitefur, and Pippin’s sister Calypso

2. L-R The Cat, Flora, The Cat’s son Blackfur, and his sister Whitefur

3. The Cat and Flora having a good wash and scratch after breakfast

4. L-R Flora (at back), Whitefur, Flora’s oldest daughter Souci, and The Cat

5. L-R Pippin, Whitefur, Flora (sitting up at back), Souci, The Cat, Calypso

And in the header photo – L-R The Cat with grand-daughters Calypso at the back and Pippin at the front.