It took The Cat three years to reach the conclusion that the humans weren’t too bad after all, but for Number One Son aka Ana, being relaxed around the humans came a lot more easily.

As he matured from an aspirational youngster to a formidable neighbourhood alpha-male, Ana never forgot his earlier days, returning regularly to the garden to spend time with his mother (and empty a few food bowls, of course).

He was confident around the humans long before his mother was, and extended his protectorship to include the house and human guarding duties; the steady gaze of his peppermint green eyes remained constant, as these photos illustrate, from the young wary boy to mature adult.

First we meet a young Ana, just starting on his journey to become one of the alpha-males of the neighbourhood. He was still unsure of humans.

A year or so later, pictured taking his siesta with his mother. Ana had grown into the role of protector and was gaining confidence.

By the time this next photo was taken, The Cat was becoming more relaxed and was happy to make eye contact as well.

By now, Ana was confident in his relationship with the humans and felt that they were his friends; he was even hopeful that they could encourage his mother to vacate the plant trough so he could settle down for his siesta.

Ana (or as he became, Ana Half-Tail, Warrior Cat, King of the Culvert) was the sort of cat who knew the meaning of loyalty and could be depended on.