PEOPLE AND THEIR PETS + QUIZ

Ellen Wieser

Ihave Moo and Cookie, both persian cats.

Moo came first, we got two from the same breeder and my mum took his sister, Petunia.

I looked at his little moustache and how he was black and white like a cow, so that’s how he got his name.

His birthday was the 12th of the 12th, 2012. I’ve always been an animal lover and we had cats growing up but I remember seeing my first persian when I was at a friend’s house and thinking, “One day I’m going to have one just like that.”

I just thought the smooshed face was really cute. Now when I look at normal cats I think their faces look weird.

Three years ago, my mum bought Cookie for my daughter, Sophie.

It’s so entertaining having two. They’re great company because they’re quite affectionate and attention-seeking.

They will follow you everywhere and always want to be at your level. If I’m in the kitchen they’ll jump up on the bench so they can be the same height as me.

I always feel like I’m being watched, especially by Moo, he just wants to be petted and fed all the time.

Cookie tries to play with Moo, but Moo doesn’t really like to play. He seems to find her a bit annoying, so if Cookie goes for a sniff and a play, he cries and has a hiss.

I wouldn’t say I spoil them by doing anything too out of the ordinary, except with love and affection. They eat good quality food and sometimes I let them have a piece of what I’m eating.

Every evening Moo follows me and stares at me until I sit down and let him on my lap. It’s like he’s telling me, “I want a cuddle and I want it now.” I don’t feel like I’ve got much of a choice in the matter.

I think they actually call the shots when it comes to food.

They’re never ignored and are just a part of the family. Very furry babies.

Because they have such long fur, there is a lot of brushing. Moo, because he’s more placid and has silkier fur, is a lot easier to brush. I have to give him a bath now and then as well.

He’s got such a gentle nature, he just allows it. I fill up the sink and do it as quickly as I can. He meows but doesn’t fight or scratch.

Then he gets blow-dried, which takes quite a long time. You have to barricade the bathroom door. I plug in my hair-dryer and get an extension cord so I can follow him with the hair-dryer and then he actually just gives up and sits there until he’s dry again.

Cookie doesn’t like me brushing her, so I send her to Angel’s Grooming every few months to get the knots out. She had too many knots last time, so she had to get this “/ion cut” where her face and tail are still fluffy.

I love their attitude. It feels like when they are affectionate towards you, you’ve earned it.

As told to Beck Eleven.