Author Emer McLysaght introduces her stunning cat Pip, who she rescued from Dublin cat charity Cat’s Aid back in 2013 - she opens up about Pip’s funny personality quirks, how they even manage to converse together and her advice for anyone considering adopting a furry feline.
What is your lovely cat’s name and age?
Her name is Pip and she’s almost 11 by my estimation.
How did she come into your life? Why did you feel like it was the right time to get a pet?
I adopted Pip from Cat’s Aid in 2013 when she was a few months old. She was my second pet who was just mine, and not a family pet. Her predecessor Steve, a lovely black cat, went missing on St Patrick’s Day and despite weeks of searching and hanging posters, he never reappeared. I lived in Stoneybatter at the time and told myself that a nice older lady had taken him in. Then, by November I was ready for Pip.
Read more:Pamela Laird opens up about rescue puppy Winnie and the joy her dogs bring to her and her family
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Cats are (sadly) a controversial pet at times, with lots of people wondering why you’d opt for one over a dog — is there a reason behind that for you? Have you always been a cat person over a dog person?
I grew up always having cats and dogs as pets so I don’t really have a preference. I would always have a dog as my own pet. Renting and living alone in Dublin often isn’t suitable for dog ownership though and cats are easier in terms of space and independence. I’m suspicious of people who proclaim they don’t like cats. I feel like cats have to have something on them.
What is Pip’s character like? Animals all have their own funny little quirks and personalities, and cats can be more unusual than most!
Pip has a very strong personality. She truly believes the world revolves around her. If I’m on a call she howls away because she assumes I’m speaking to her. She’s also afraid of the wind.
What is it that you love most about her?
She talks away to me. She understands phrases like “are you hungry?”, “where’s your ball?” and “do you want something nice?” and would almost have a conversation with you. She also tries her best to retract her very sharp claws when I say “no claws!”
Would you consider getting another cat?
Probably not while I have Pip. We’ve had a few cat visitors and she hasn’t appreciated it. Lots of hissing and posturing.
What is the most difficult thing about being a cat owner for you, if anything?
She spends time both indoors and outdoors so I worry a lot about her going missing. I would hate to think of her alone or injured somewhere.
People say having a pet makes a house a home — do you agree?
Absolutely. I love when Pip runs to meet me when I get home. Pets are a great mental health boost. Sometimes if I don’t feel like doing much for myself I’ll make myself do things for her.
Do you have any advice for someone who’s considering getting a cat?
Adopt, don’t shop. Also, try to set the ground rules early. Cats are easily spoiled. In saying that, Pip has her own electric blanket, so what do I know?
The Complete Aisling universe, following on from the iconic Oh My God, What A Complete Aisling book series written by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen, continues online on Substack at The Ballygobbard Project.
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