PET PSYCHE
This grumpy-looking cat likes its catnip mouse, Swiss Chalet and Barbra Streisand,
Most adoring pet owners would do anything for their cherished companions, but could they speak for their furry or feathered or finned friends and tell us what they are thinking?
To find out, we’re putting pet owners to the test with the personality questionnaire made famous by French novelist Marcel Proust. Meet Krystyna Lagowski and Anschel. Originally known in cat show circles as Horizons International Grand Champion Ash, Lagowski and her now-retired Red Burmese have been together for eight years. As a self-professed Barbra Streisand fan, she renamed her best-in-show boy, Anschel, after the lead character in Yentl.
Perfectly proportioned, with deep golden yellow eyes and an incredible personality, he was considered a superior sire in his prime.
In fact, Anschel proved so valuable, he had his own room at the breeders.
“I’m sure they set him up with some Marvin Gaye and soft lighting and velvet cushions,” says Lagowski.
While digestive issues require expensive, special order vet food, Anschel does like his Swiss Chalet. At age 11 he still is a spectacular creature, and knows it according to Lagowski. “Never met a camera he didn’t love.” What is Anschel’s current state of mind?
He’s usually preoccupied with getting the sunny spot (on the chaise). Farfel (Anschel’s best pal and also a retired show cat) is in it right now so he’s strategizing on what is the most amusing way to win the sunny spot from Farfel.
So I’d say, strategizing. What is Anschel’s idea of perfect happiness?
Anschel’s idea of perfect happiness would be a most excellent, wellplaced poop. Which living person does Anschel most admire?
Barbra Streisand. What or who is the greatest love of Anschel’s life?
The Blue tortie that got away (for those unfamiliar with the breed that’s the Blue tortoiseshell Burmese that got away). Where and when was Anschel happiest?
Invariably he is happiest when he is on the judging table being admired by the judge and his legions of adoring fans. What talent would Anschel most like to have?
I don’t know about a talent but he would like to have opposable thumbs. What does Anschel consider his greatest achievement?
Well, he was Best Burmese in Canada in 2007 — but I would have to say it was his stunning comeback two years ago from which the show cat world is still reeling. What is Anschel’s most treasured possession?
That would be the red catnip mouse — the big red one. What would Anschel regard as the lowest depth of misery?
Being ignored. What is Anschel’s most marked characteristic?
His ability to convey both utter contempt and disdain with just one glance — and then switch just as quickly from that to complete exuberance and happiness — so his mercurial ability to convey extremes of expression.
Who is Anschel’s hero in real life?
His hero in real life is Secretariat, totally. I’ve always said he’s the Secretariat of cats. What is it that Anschel most dislikes?
Not being appreciated. If Anschel were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would that be?
He would like to come back as a Lykan HyperSport— because it’s one of only seven cars (of its kind) in the world — it’s the third most expensive car at $3.4 million (U.S.).
But he’s such an arrogant little soand-so that he’s going to come back as a Trabant, a horrible, horrible east German car that nonetheless has a cult following and is revered by many. What is Anschel’s favourite occupation?
Rock star. What does Anschel consider the most overrated virtue?
Humility.