The similarity in names and appearance between NVQ and NotNVQ was where any resemblance ended. In character, they were two very different cats; NVQ the ambitious alpha-male, fighting to keep his position at the top of the pecking order, and NotNVQ, happy to roam the fields and fill his belly regularly, avoiding confrontation wherever possible.
That’s not to say that NotNVQ was not romantically interested in female cats when they were in season – he was – but, having no strong desire to be an alpha-male, he was less inclined to fight and happy to take his chance where he could.
These photos show him in the company of other cats; he was never friendly with the humans but he did become used to having them around at feeding time and, with the passing of time, was readily accepted by the Garden Family and fitted well into group feeding times in the garden, knowing that the humans understood his need for personal space and would not cross that boundary.
NotNVQ in the fields with Thundercat.
Mr Bright making his feelings clear.
A rare photo of NotNVQ asserting himself, probably with CoffeeCat (who may have been related).
NotNVQ and Mr Bright enjoying a nap on the garden wall in the morning sun.
Maybe this was bring-a-friend-to-the-terrace day as NotNVQ was accompanied by another black-and-white cat on his one and only visit.
NotNVQ, Phantom and Gypsy waiting on the wall outside the front door for teatime feeding.
