Bob & Scout

Barn cats, 15 years old (Bob) and age unknown (Scout)

Bob wasn't rescued. He simply turned up 15 years ago and decided we'd do.

Skittish and fiercely independent, he kept coming back for food until it seemed daft to keep leaving. Over time, he worked out that if he briefly tolerates a pat on the head, the treats improve. A silent contract was drawn up. Both parties have honoured it ever since.

A few years back, Scout arrived – a feral tabby who lives up to his name in absolutely no capacity whatsoever. While Bob at least pretends to patrol, Scout's main contribution is occupying various horizontal surfaces and radiating an air of profound disinterest.

Together, they keep the sanctuary rodent-free. It's their only job, and they're excellent at it. In return, they've developed rather expensive tastes, turning their noses up at anything that doesn't come in the posh tins.

They're not lap cats. They won't be winning any cuddliest cats contests. But they're ours, and after all this time, we're probably theirs too.