The Cat had decided that the humans had passed their probationary period and, at long last, she allowed us to touch her. It had taken three years of regular feeding for her to feel confident enough in us, and we felt very privileged to have gained her trust, and determined not to do anything to destroy it.

This heralded a new phase in our relationship and The Cat was noticeably more relaxed, bringing her new family (Pedal, Ratchet and Sprocket) into the garden as small kittens, even before it was time for weaning. She was still wary, but her kittens were less so.

Ana (by now Ana Half-Tail) was making his mark in the neighbourhood, having matured into a successful alpha-male, although he still found time in his busy schedule to return to the garden for a good feed and to relax with his mother. He defended his territory, roaming over a wide area and continuing to pick and choose his opponents wisely (on the whole!)

The cats from the fields continued to pass through the garden in their quest for food, and Mr Grey was becoming a regular visitor as he sought to woo the cat and fight Ana for possession of the garden. He had a plan, and that plan was to drive Ana out, hence the change in Mr Grey’s name at this time to The Evil Grey, as our allegiance lay with Ana.

The Cat was starting to show the signs of benefitting from a better diet and a less stressful existence; her coat was thickening and she looked less wary and mistrustful.