Prunella Scales is one of our best known and best loved actresses. Here she reveals her lifelong love of cats and how her actor husband, Timothy West, became a committed cat person!

What was your first ever cat and what was his or her name?
I have kept and loved cats all my life. Tim and I have been married for 43 years and our first cat was a beautiful ginger cat whom we called Lion. Tim really was a committed dog person, but we couldn’t have a dog in the flat so we thought we better get a cat. We then moved to Stratford-Upon-Avon as Tim had a job there - I was terribly worried as I thought Lion might try and walk back to London! I remember once too, that Tim was in the bath and a towel slipped behind his head. He thought it was Lion and leapt up shouting ‘Oh my god the cat’s committing suicide’! I knew then he had converted to being a cat person! After Lion we got two wonderful tabby twins, Lili and Bayliss. We had them for many years.

How many cats do you have now and how long have you had them?
Once Lili and Bayliss passed away, we took in two strays from the vets, Garrick and Coleman. Sadly Garrick disappeared one day and never came back. But we still have Coleman, who in cat years is now 94. Four years ago my daughter-in-law’s Persian cat had kittens. We took one, and as my daughter-in-law is French, we thought we would name the kitten after a French playwright – Feydeau. Feydeau likes to lick Coleman all over first thing in the morning which he only just endures! They like to sleep next to each other but never touch… so I think Coleman just tolerates Feydeau really.

How do you fit having cats into your very busy schedule?
Cats are perfect for actors, as they are so independent and much less demanding than dogs. They live their own lives and are self-contained. Coleman is a black cat, but we did notice his fur was turning orange on his tummy recently. The vet said it was down to a thyroid condition, so that could be a useful tip for cat lovers. He has to have pills twice a day now but we just crush them up and put them in his food.

What’s the best thing about owning a cat?
Again, as actors, it’s cats’ independence that appeals. Our cats have access to the back garden and they love to talk to the squirrels. Coleman also likes to make summer visits over the garden wall next door, but we don’t ask too much about his private life!

What’s the funniest thing your cat has ever done?
Coleman loves to watch the snooker on the television. He’ll try and bat the balls on the screen and when one is potted he’ll go around the back of the television and look for it. He’s wonderful company and will sit on the back of the sofa when we are sitting in the lounge.

And finally... if you could be any animal for a day, what it would be and why?
I would certainly be a cat. They can do so much more than we can. It would be wonderful to live with a nice family and spend all day climbing trees!

The above article appeared in the Spring 2007 issue of Cats Protection's official magazine, The Cat.

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