Meet Bushtail Ranger and Skylarion

Pet's details:

Names: Bushtail Ranger (1 year) and Skylarion (2 years)
Breed: Vul
Owners:  Malik and Jamie Gunatilleke (27 and 25 years)

What was the thinking behind naming your pet?

The name making process is not one based on logic or reason. Sometimes it is based on the physical characteristics of the cat or it could be a random word I invent. All the cats we meet are named immediately unless they already have names.

What’s their daily routine like?

Cats don’t really need to be groomed or brushed as they do most of their grooming themselves. We brush their fur once in a way but it only serves to irritate them. Hell hath no fury like a cat’s scorn.

What is their favourite snack?

Usually the opposite of whatever we give them. They can be very difficult.

Do they have a particularly favourite place to sleep and hang out?

Bushy loves hobnobbing with the neighbouring cats on our roof. She’s a socialite of sorts. Skylarion is more exclusive in that way. This may have something to do with the fact that she’s too fat to climb the roof!

Do Bushtail Ranger and Skylarion like to dress up and take selfies?

No! They couldn’t care less about pop culture!

Have you guys always been pet lovers?

Jamie has always had pets. Cats, dogs, ducks, cows, you name it. Malik loves most animals but holds a special place in his heart for cats. He’s always made friends with the neighbourhood loafers which in turn came with a dislike for animals of the canine persuasion.

And who were your first pets?

Jamie – Jodi (dog)
Malik – Skimbleshanks (cat)

What is it like having a pet?

There is no greater charity than taking care of an animal in our opinion. It is an unadulterated act of kindness.

What is bath time like for these two?

We try not to get involved in their cleaning process. There are some boundaries that must be respected.

How do they react when you head out of the house and when you return home?

Depending on their moods it could go from complete and utter indifference to apocalyptic meltdown. When they hear us coming through the front door, they’re almost always there to greet us, which breaks some of the stereotypical traits assigned to cats.

Could you imagine life without your pets?

Yes. It’ll be bleak and not worth living!

What’s the most precious moment you share with your pet?

Undoubtedly the time Bushtail gave birth to three kittens on our bed during the night... while we were still sleeping on it!

By Natasha Fernandopulle