The Cat liked her kittens to feel equally at home in the garden, the drive, the front path, and the fields. She would make sure that they spent time exploring in all of these areas, learning where the food and water bowls were and how to get from one area to the other. The fact that the kittens were ‘learning’ these skills does not automatically mean that The Cat was ‘teaching’ them; she would expect them to follow her and to work out how to get from A to B, thus ensuring that her offspring grew up resourceful and self-reliant.

The most secure area was the garden; the drive and front path had the hazard of the nearby road, and there were dangers in the fields with other cats, and dogs who roamed. But the garden was safe, The Cat was relaxed, and the kittens enjoyed a more relaxed life there.

Today, here are five photos – one for each of the early months of one of The Cat’s litters (Pedal, Ratchet and Sprocket) showing them playing and relaxing in the garden.

Month One in the garden – Ratchet and Pedal playing hide-and-seek.

Month Two in the garden – Sprocket chasing a beetle (the beetle escaped).

Month Three in the garden – Sprocket and Pedal napping together. Sadly, by this time we had lost Ratchet, and Sprocket and Pedal had become closely bonded; this was something that was to remain strong for the rest of their time together.

Month Four in the garden – Pedal and Sprocket tussling. Pedal loved this garden netting and would roll himself up in it so he looked like a Pedal burrito, with his head sticking out of one end. There was never a dull moment!

Month 5 in the garden – Pedal napping. Even at a young age, Pedal seemed to know that he was the only male and it would be his job to guard his mother and sisters. He would nap near the olive tree so he would know which other cats were coming in the out of the garden (not that he was big enough to do anything about it, but his instincts were good).