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Lucy loves this time of year, as the weather improves and creates pools of warm sunshine around the garden. Today she did a spot of big game hunting, catching a fully cooked chicken drumstick - heaven knows where from! After that it was time to relax on the patio, soaking up some of the sun’s rays.
We always leave one tomato pot free for Lucy - apparently on a warm day it’s the perfect spot to relax!
All in all, today was an excellent chance for some quality catting!
Photos taken 30 March 2024
It’s taken a while to build up a sense of trust with our neighbours’ cats, but after feeding them on numerous occasions while their humans have been on holiday they’re pretty relaxed about me and my camera now. These were taken on morning when I popped in to top up their food and water, but Sookie and Cwtch definitely seemed more focused on relaxing than eating!
Photos taken 18 February 2024
I try to reign myself in when it comes to buying new camera equipment but sometimes a new gadget comes on the market which is too good to pass up. On this occasion it was a successor to the Panasonic G9 camera I bought back in 2018. With much improved autofocus, and many other new tweaks, it sounded like it would conquer all the small irritations that remained with its predecessor so I pre-ordered back in September and began the long wait…
At the beginning of November it finally arrived so I used a very welcome sunny afternoon to take it for a stroll around the village. Photographing mostly stationary subjects wasn’t the harshest test, but even through these few photos I could sense the improvements.
The real test will come when I get to photograph wildlife and fast cars, but I tested the waters with a portrait of Lucy the same evening. The camera’s autofocus locked straight on to her eyes so I figure if it can do that with a black cat in a fairly dark living room I’m onto a winner!
Photos taken 7 November 2023
Every so often we have the pleasure of looking after our neighbours’ cats while they’re on holiday. Cwtch and Sookie have gradually grown accustomed to us and I often use their more relaxed moments to catch some photos of them.
During my second visit they had come downstairs, ready for breakfast and a spot of sunbathing, although initially Sookie decided she would observe me from a chair beneath the dining room table!
Cwtch watching the garden intently for intruders….
Followed by a spot of unashamed lounging in the sun - not always in the most elegant way!
Eventually Sookie gained some more courage and came out into the sunshine.
Photos taken June 2023.
My stroll through London on Thursday took me past Southwark Cathedral and it would have been rude of me not to pop and say hello to Hodge, the Cathedral cat. Named after Samuel Johnson’s cat, Hodge has now been in residence for over two years and he’s thoroughly settled in.
Last time we met he was lounging around in the nave, but today Hodge was supervising in the Cathedral shop, although quite how anyone was supposed to use the computer was a mystery as he was sitting on the keyboard!
After a quick stroll around the Cathedral I discovered Hodge sitting outside the vestry door, hoping to be let in. We had a brief chat (you can see him meowing in this photo!) and I knocked on the door to see if anyone was home. Sadly there was no reply, but the steward at the Cathedral entrance assured me it wouldn’t be long before he was let in!
Photos taken 12 January 2023
Over the summer we looked after Sookie and Cwtch, the two cats who live next door to us, for a few days and I finally made a break through in making friends with Sookie. Previously she’d been very wary, but she soon warmed to me when she realised I was her only source of food for the week! Over the last few days we’ve been feeding them again and naturally I took a few photos!
Initially Sookie was undecided as to whether she still liked me, but once she remembered what good cheek rubs I give she was my best friend again! That didn’t stop her hiding beneath the bed on occasions, but at least we weren’t back to square one…
In complete contrast, Cwtch was always happy to come and say hello and she patiently posed for me after she’d had some grub.
Photos taken 1 January 2023
As we watched TV a few evenings ago Lucy sauntered in to check up on us. I happened to have my camera handy so it seemed rude not to take a photo or two as she looked at me so intently.
Photos taken 31 December 2022
It’s not that unusual for a Cathedral to have a resident cat - I’ve met several over the years. However, Southwark Cathedral’s cat, Hodge, has his own Twitter account and has quite the cult following. Each August the Cathedral hosts a feline themed day of talks and this year I was able to go along.
The day started with a stroll down from Liverpool Street Station, taking in some of the city architecture in the early morning sun.
I arrived at Southwark Cathedral early so I went inside to look for Hodge. Fortunately, he was in a chilled out mood, lounging near the door to the vestry, one of his favourite snoozing spots.
A couple more snaps from around the Cathedral as I headed to Borough Market to grab some lunch.
Photos taken 6 August 2022
We’ve often looked after our neighbours cats, Cwtch and Sookie, while their humans have been on holiday and it’s always a pleasure. Cwtch is always confident and friendly towards us, but Sookie is a much more reserved character, often apparently afraid of her own shadow!
A big stretch from Cwtch
This summer they’ve both spent more time in their front garden, mostly keeping clear of their canine siblings, so I’ve taken this opportunity to gain Sookie’s trust a little more. Often you’ll find me on my hands and knees, giving her a cheek rub as if I stand up she’ll run a mile! One week over the summer though we spent several days feeding the two of them as this proved a real turning point. Realising I was a purveyor of both cheek rubs and food, Sookie became a total convert and she even relaxed enough for me to take some photos one morning.
I’ve never seen Sookie this relaxed before!
Photos taken August 2022
Much of the time Lucy ignores the many toys we've bought for her over the years but from time to time she suddenly finds the impulse to hunt. Today's favourite was this hamster and I found her sitting on the living room floor this afternoon contemplating it!
