Feeding times were relatively strict when it came to the garden cats, and they would gather when they knew food was imminent.

But for the field cats, especially those who preferred not to have any contact with humans, mealtimes could be whenever they liked with wet and dry food available in the garden, drive and front path.

In the summer, a feral cat’s instincts would tell him or her that the best time to eat was dawn, dusk, or during the night; during the day, cats would avoid walking in the sun and, if they had to, they would walk as fast as possible to reach the shade.

Hunting might still have been good, especially when the crops were harvested, but once again it was not something to be undertaken in the full heat of the sun, so opportunities and frequency were reduced.

So there are fewer photos of the Visiting Cats during the hottest months as many came under cover of darkness, but watching those who came it was obvious that they were very hungry, maybe because they were not visiting as often because of the heat.

Firstly Sultan, an infrequent visitor from the fields opposite. He probably only visited when his usual feeder or farmer was absent and he was completely feral (as you can see from his expression).

Ghost Cat queueing for the wet food bowl in the front path. NotNVQ was not in the mood to rush. There was a definitely pecking order at the food bowls, and Ghost was known to be quite pushy at times so NotNVQ must have been her senior in either age or rank.

Twilight eating hungrily in the drive. She was a feral cat with a young family in the fields and was in need of nourishment until they could be weaned.

Syllabub and Bala, two of Twilight’s young adult sons. Syllabub, at the back, was the older of the two. They became regular visitors and remained feral. The header photo shows Caramel, Syllabub’s littermate, also eating in the drive.

Mr Bright would take his time and enjoy his food; as an alpha-male of the neighbourhood, he knew that it was unlikely that any other cat would be brave enough to try and hurry him.

Madam Kiwi wishing that Tumbleweed would hurry up so she could get her supper. There was another bowl opposite the front door, but she liked this bowl in the limestone trough.