How old are your cats and what are their names?
I have two cats from the same litter, Debbie Harry and Dolly Parton, they’re both around 10.
How did your cats come into your life?
When I was going through chemo I was spending a lot of time on my own and I used that as a way to manipulate my partner into agreeing to get a cat. Around that time, I saw a photo of Debbie and Dolly on the DSPCA Instagram and just felt in my gut that they were meant to be mine. I wasn’t planning on getting two but they were a package deal and in the end I’m really glad we have them both.
Have you always been a cat person over a dog person?
No, I don’t really believe in that dichotomy, I think if you really like animals you like them both. What I do love about cats though is that they are always in charge of their own lives. They require very little, but also dictate how the relationship is going to go. A dog will show affection to almost anyone if you’re nice to them, whereas cats are much pickier.
What are Debbie and Dolly like? Pets all have their own funny little quirks and personalities!
Debbie has always been more affectionate than Dolly, she came onto our laps not long after we brought them home. Dolly feels like the stern older sister by comparison, she’s a little more cagey and didn’t show us any affection for at least a year. It was actually when I was pregnant with my older son that she suddenly started sitting on my lap, or eventually my bump. I think she knew – apparently cats can smell hormonal changes.
What is it that you love most about them?
I like that they’re independent beings who’ve given us permission to share our lives with them. They have their routines, where they sleep, who they choose to snuggle with in the evening. It feels like they’re granting us a privilege.
You have young children – is it important to you that they grow up with a pet in the home?
I wouldn’t say it’s overly important to us, to be honest. The cats have pretty much avoided the lads until recently, they have no interest in them and the feeling is fairly mutual. These days they are allowing the kids to pet them a little. I do think it’s important to teach children to respect animals.
What is the most difficult thing about being a cat owner for you?
Honestly, they’re pretty easy. Dealing with their litter box isn’t pleasant, and sometimes they hack up a hairball which isn’t great but they’re generally really easy pets to have. Although in the summer, they occasionally bring us a little present from outside in the form of a mouse or bird and I can’t handle that.
People say having a pet makes a house a home – do you agree with that?
There are many things which make a house a home but a pet can definitely be a part of that.
What advice would you have for someone who’s considering getting a cat?
Please rescue one rather than buying one, and keep in mind that not every cat will want to be cuddled, and you have to be OK with that. But otherwise, just do it. They’re great company.
You can listen to Catch Up With Louise McSharry wherever you get your podcasts.
English (US) ·