Dinky’s best friend was Lightning, a solitary kitten who arrived a few months after Dinky. Lightning only spent six months with us before disappearing off into the fields. But those six months were used well and he progressed from a scared and hungry kitten of only a few weeks old to a confident young cat, ready to make his own way in the world.

At the time, Dinky and Lightning were just what each other needed; Lightning had no siblings or littermates to play with, and Dinky was only a few months older than him and still full of the exuberant energy of an oversized kitten.

Today, here are six photos of Lightning chronicling his six months in The Cat’s garden.

Month 1 – a small, lone kitten of no fixed abode, chased out of the garden by The Cat on first sight. For his first week, Lightning hid behind a water tank, emerging only at dawn and dusk to eat and stretch his legs.

Month 2 – thanks to his good appetite and increased size, Lightning found it less than comfortable behind the water tank and decided that there were more opportunities for exploration and playing in The Cat’s garden. The Cat had lost interest in chasing him, feeling that her point had been made. In any case, chasing a kitten takes a lot of energy and The Cat was sparing with hers.

Month 3 – well, that was unfortunate – a broken leg. But kittens heal quickly and Lightning was a sensible youngster. Within a few days he was tentatively touching his leg down on the ground and it eventually made a good recovery.

Month 4 – an unlikely combo – Lightning and Dinky. Lightning needed a playmate and a snuggle buddy, and Dinky (who was only a few months older than Lightning) was the perfect companion.

Month 5 – suffice to say, life skills were learnt.

Month 6 – Lightning was a confident and independent character and not above requisitioning Dinky’s chair on the terrace for his own needs.

Lightning was ready for his next adventure. He headed off into the fields after six months with us, returning just once to let us know he was OK.