The Cat was one of a kind. Among her kittens, there were some who took after her in fur colour, but there was never one who would grow up into a ‘newer model’ of the same cat.

The Cat’s personal history was vague, to say the least. Rumour had it that she had been gifted to the property owner by someone in a different village, but there was no way of confirming this. She was already living there when we arrived, with her two sons and, being a Cat Of Mystery, she held her counsel and never spilt the beans about her earlier life.

So, bearing in mind what we had heard, the similarities between The Cat and Visitor Cat were puzzling. Why would The Cat (who had supposedly come from a different village) resemble in so many ways another cat who was fed in another garden across the fields? And of course The Cat’s deep and enduring dislike for Visitor reinforced our suspicions – it was almost as though The Cat was saying ‘you’ve got your own garden, now be off!’.

Here are some photos – see what you think! First photo is Visitor, second The Cat in all cases.

Firstly, walking along the garden wall (rear view, complete with big fluffy tail).

Next, view sitting on the wall. Once again luxurious tail and haunches, and similar general attitude.

And now with their offspring in the drive. Less fluffy, both being in mothering mode and also due to the heat of the summer months.

And finally, relaxing in the garden. Note the wide forehead and wide-set ears.

They resembled each other in appearance (although of course their fur colours were not the same), in spirit, and in build. Of course we would never get to know, but still we wonder.