We recently adopted two cats from you, known as Stella and Sadie, but which we have now renamed as Seren and Siani. They are settling in very well and are great company, both to each other and to us. They seem to have bonded very well with us and are very clear that this is their home, even when we have had visitors or builders in.
They love being out in the garden and play hide and seek and "pounce" with each other between all the plants. They are not very respectful of which plants they should not sit on though, and we have had to establish lots of frames and nets to protect our precious vegetables and flowers! They are well worth it though, and sitting out or working in the garden is much more entertaining for us now. It is quite peculiar though that although they are very interested in us and very friendly, and try and be near us whenever they can, Siani in particular will still not let us pick her up, although Seren will let us sometimes now. We are busy training Siani as you suggested by trying to hold her while she is eating (her most important occupation!) and she is a little more willing to be held briefly while she is eating, so hopefully we will get there in the end!
Helen