Heather Cook
From Sidcup With Purrs is about having been inspired by Tiny's story and I hope other people will feel the same way. She has overcome a difficult start in life, deafness and brain damage to bring pleasure to people in a variety of situations. I also hope that the book will give readers a good giggle, because I have done my best to capture some of the silly - but true - things that have happened along the way.
Please tell us about the character of Tiny.
Tiny is a bouncy and fearless little tabby girl that absolutely loves people. She is incredibly playful and loves chasing her pink clockwork mouse and leaping up and down after various 'fishing rod' toys. The laser light toy is also very popular - particularly with me, because it saves me having to run about so much! Tiny loves to go out in the car and jumps into her cat carrier as soon as I open it, which is unheard of in this house, where most cats would rather eat sprouts than climb into a cat basket.
Why do you think cats are good for people?
I think cats keep us 'grounded', because you can never feel too pleased with yourself when there's a cat yawning at everything you say! I also think that as life becomes more hectic and most of us become more cut off from the natural world, contact with animals reminds us that there's more to life than cars and the latest technology. I have seen many instances of cats transforming people's lives by bringing warmth and laughter into their homes and giving them a purpose in life.
How difficult is it to write from the point of view of an animal?
I actually find it much easier to write from an animal's point of view than from a human one, which probably means I should start worrying! My cats are a hugely important part of my life and I spend a lot of time with them, so I get to know each character really well. It's only a small step then to imagine what they would think about things and how they would express themselves.
Why do you think there is always a humorous side to life when you have cats?
I think cats themselves are very amusing because they are intelligent and able to interact with humans, and also they really couldn't care less what we think about their actions. Dogs always seem rather apologetic, even if things aren't their fault, but a cat could smash a priceless vase and expect you to be worried in case they had sustained an injury.
What is your most memorable case of giving a cat a new home?
I homed a huge black and white cat with a lovely couple and the next morning they phoned me to say they thought he had escaped. They had searched everywhere and couldn't find him. I went to help them look and we literally pulled the house apart, particularly the kitchen, and eventually found a rather embarrassed looking cat under one of the kitchen cupboards. The new owners burst into tears and I'm still not quite sure whether it was relief at finding the cat or dismay at the state of their kitchen!
You were voted Volunteer of the Year by Cats Protection; how did this make you feel?
I was absolutely thrilled because the people who voted for me were people who were involved in the same work and understood what was involved. I felt very humble to have this recognition from my fellow cat lovers and can honestly say it was one of the best days of my life.
What is next for you?
I couldn't stop writing if I tried, so there will be more books - definitely ones that look at the sillier side of life, and I wouldn't be a bit surprised if a few cats sneaked in as well.