Ana was not just given the name ‘Number One Son’, he earned it. He was a handsome orange cat, loyal to his mother, and, as he grew up, he saw himself as protector of her, the garden and environs.

Ana graced the garden, walls, driveway, path, windowcills, next door’s aviary roof, and fields far and wide. He had made his mark at an early age, fighting his brother Pea Cat for domination in the garden and for the right to become their mother’s protector. Ana seemed to have plans from a young age.

His loyalty was repaid by his mother who sought out his company at siesta and meal time. They napped close to each other (The Cat always comfortingly higher that her lowly son), and shared a bowl. The Cat also found her Number One Son useful when she needed somewhere to rest her head in the garden. Ana never complained; he was loyal and patient.

Ana roamed the neighbourhood extending his domain, and would sometimes appear for breakfast after what looked like a good night out, a dab of engine oil still faintly visible behind each ear, sometimes with a daub of blue or green paint (or possibly what looked suspiciously like greasy tyremarks) on his fur. Whatever it was, it seemed to make him irresistible to the local ladies.

Despite the Tail Incident and a particularly hard winter taking their toll, he remained at his mother’s side until a younger brother grew brave and old enough to take on the protective mantle and Ana (or, to give him his full name, Ana Half-Tail, Warrior Cat, King of the Culvert) moved on to broaden his horizons in pastures new.

These photos show Ana in each of the four years he was with us.