The cats enjoyed exploring the garden and we made sure that there were plenty of the greengrocer’s boxes dotted around, and areas with different surfaces (such as netting, cardboard, wood) for them to enjoy. When the grass was cut, longer areas were always left for the benefit of insects, but some of the cats also enjoyed the privacy of the longer grass, while others found it ideal for playing and pouncing.

These photos are all from the springtime when the sun was getting warmer and the grass was starting to grow after a wet winter.

Mini was prepared to tolerate the humans in return for food, but would have got up and rushed away if we had approached her. Despite that, she liked the garden and chose to bring up kittens there. She was, however, in essence a field cat, just like her mother She-ba, preferring the privacy of the longer grass and corners where she was more contained and less out in the open.

Sherpa was a mischievous kitten and was quickly growing up into a mischievous young cat. He wanted to be in the cente of everything and was quick to pounce on passers by in the hope of a tussle or a chase. Nosiness sat naturally with his character, and nothing was allowed to pass him by.

From a young kitten, Sherpa had acted as a guide for partially-sighted Pascha but, as they both matured, they needed time to themselves and Pascha was as confident as any other cat inside the garden, not realising for one moment that the world he saw was not the same as the world that his fully sighted companions saw.

Cosmos, Sherpa and Pascha making the most of the long tufts of grass which were ideal for hiding behind (and inside). Many a surprise attack was sprung from these clumps, and, whenever the grass was trimmed, the paths which were cut were different making an every-changing playground for the cats. Yes, of course they were spoilt!

Mr Bright, one of the big alpha-male Visiting Cats and a regular visitor at mealtimes, relaxing in the garden. Other males knew to avoid him and there was seldom aggression in the garden.