Having seen what The Cat and her young families got up to during August, today it’s the turn of a few of the Visiting Cats who also contended with the heat of the summer out in the open.

First, here’s Gypsy, fast asleep on our old neighbours’ aviary in the shade of the olive tree.

And next, Madam Kiwi, napping in the shade of a planter opposite the front door.

Twilight’s young son Syllabub having a drink from one of the water bowls in the drive.

Muffin enjoying the movement of air through the wire mesh on the aviary roof – all-round ventilation was very important!.

Phantom’s young daughter Mohi relaxing in a limestone plant trough which was nice and cool after being watered earlier in the day.

Thundercat, dozing on the aviary roof, maximising the shade both from our neighbours’ olive tree and the shadow of the house.

The header photo shows Visitor Cat, relaxing on a plant ledge.

There were multiple water bowls in the front path, drive and garden, plus pails with water from the well. The cats’ instincts guided them to the shady spots, places well-suited to whiling away the hottest part of the day and their choice of places was, in most cases, excellent.