The highlight of our calendar is Ven-Ven’s birthday on May 30th. He’ll be 12 human years old or 64 in cat years. Ven-Ven or Vennie is, of course, our lovely chat au chateau. His official name is Ventura and he’s a pedigree Tonkinese (half Burmese, half Siamese). We’re starting preparations for his birthday celebrations early by publishing a recent interview with him. He is a very private cat but for the first time ever he’s come out of the woods to tell us more about himself. Read about what makes this fascinating feline tick…
Do you have a daily fitness and beauty routine?
Sleep is the best beauty treatment. A lot of people suffer from insomnia these days but I’m out like a light. In fact, I could sleep on a clothesline! I enjoy a little light exercise, usually in the middle of the night and always alone. I was born with great bone structure and good genes. I dress simply and I ditched wearing a collar years ago as I prefer the open neck look.
Would you be happy to pass on your top fur tips?
I like to keep my fur short. A cropped style is so much easier to manage. I never use shampoo so my fur isn’t stripped of its natural oils. I wash it every day to keep it sleek and smelling like roses. I’m not a slave to fashion but I’m on trend with my facial fur and perfectly groomed whiskers.
Many women find you irresistible. Do you like that or does it bother you?
It can be a little annoying if I am on a mission and find I have to stop and chat or I’m suddenly picked up to have a face buried in my fur or a kiss planted on my forehead, but my admirers are important to me and lashing out would be the very last thing on my mind.
You’re 64 years old. Do you dye your fur?
No! I have no grey hair, I don’t wear contact lenses or specs, I have all my own teeth and no fillings. My hearing is as sharp as my claws.
How did you get to where you are today?
I just let it all come to me.
You have been described as a Mummy’s boy. Would you agree with that?
Well, aren’t we all of us just little boys at heart who love their Mummies?
Geminis are said to be smart, sharp and speedy. Would you say you are typical of your star sign?
Definitely. I know how to twist people around my little paw, I’m quick to catch on, especially when there is chicken on the menu and I react like a coiled spring when my favourite toy comes out.
Geminis are also great company. Would you describe yourself as a good conversationalist?
For sure. Chatting and yowling are favourite pastimes of mine and I’m able to discuss a good many topics from the weather to food. Some people think I talk too much at times and ask “what is it you want?” but I just tell them to listen more carefully. People seem so preoccupied with their own busy lives they just don’t know how to listen anymore.
Where is your favourite place to hang out?
A dusty patch in full sunshine.
What is your favourite creative hobby?
I enjoy all kinds of artistic expression but I see myself primarily as a sculptor. I particularly enjoy creating mini outdoor sculptures with the discarded skeletons of small animals that have met an untimely end.
Do you contribute to the workshops at all?
My job is to lie on guests’ fabric when they are at lunch.
Do you find it difficult to share your home with so many people?
Not really. The truth is I’m quite picky. It doesn’t take me long to choose who I’m going to spend my time with.
That sounds quite ruthless! Not really. Why waste your time on people who aren’t going to give you what you want?
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
I was born in Southampton in England but I cut my teeth in the back gardens of Richmond. I had a half- brother at the time called TeeDee (a Siamese, official pedigree name Caesar) and we used to prowl around gardens and sniff outbuildings together, visit the folk in the old people’s home and dine out all the time. Crazy times!
