cultural exchange!

Oh boy! Today I have a very special treat for Pet Museum patrons: an in-depth glimpse at the life and times of feline gentleman Whicky Whuudler, who hails from southeast England.

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1. What are your favourite cat foods and treats called?

Before I came to live in the west of England, I wasn't that keen on human fuud. Because I had a bladder problem a year ago, I have to have prescription, dried fuud, which is ok and I am allowed occasional treats. I usually get a teaspoon of Felix wet fuud (any flavour does me fine) on my dried fuud too. I am partial to roast chicken. It must be straight from the oven. If it's cold, forget it.

Do not leave an unguarded bacon sandwich anywhere. I have a trick. Think of a magician swiftly whipping out the table cloth from under the crockery of a fully laid table without disturbing the place settings.

Scampi, preferably coated in that disgusting chemical, crispy crumb rubbish. I love it.Freshly poached salmon. Big fat prawns, they taste better when stolen directly from the prawn salad. I am learning to like cheese.

2. Does anybody call you a moggie?

Yes they have done so. I am indeed a moggie. A common cat, a gutter cat. The tough life I led before luxurious living fell to me, was hard. Many fights have left me scarred and battered, but I think it gives me the manly edge. I still have the occasional rumble with cats who dare enter our garden. They don't come back if they have sense. I am often referred to as:- Wuudlermonger, Wuudleesh, Manuudlerz, Nuudles, Nuudler, Whickish, Owlish Boy and Grizzle Arse.

3. What other nicknames for "kitty" do they have over there?

Moggie and Mog are common in the UK. Puss-puss and Puss too. Muggeral is a rare word to denote a thick necked, tough cat, that's me. Tom, self explanatory. Gib, a neutered tom cat (rarely used now)

Caith, is Welsh for cat, I am from Wales (caithau = plural) Cait is Scottish Gaelic for cat. Machka or Mac'ka are romany for cat. There are some Romany speakers not far from where I live and they say it as "mouchkass" and it's an old word for "mouse catcher." But one of the elders in their community say it's from a very old Romany word meaning "unclean" (the cheek of it!). Catte - old English. Catling - still used sometimes, a word for cat from medieval times.

4. Where other than the armchair do you like to be? Do you like to sit on the newspaper? Which one do you like to sit on most?

These days I like to sit on the back of that old armchair (It was brought here with me when my original Mum died, I now live with her daughter). It's a good look out post by the window, handy as I am the resident sentinel cat. I also have my own futon, which I share with the other three cats who live here. I sit or sleep on the back of that too as it also gives me a great view of the street, the comings and goings of people, horses and cars. I do not like humans to sit on my futon.

The shed roof is a good place to sit, it gets super hot and I happily bake myself up there when the sun is out. Sometimes I get too hot for humans to touch me. I will sleep in a good dusty, earthy wallow under the ferns in the garden too. I am often covered in dust and earth, but always keep my paws pristine. I adore sitting on my Dad's chest most of all. I like to pin him down and purr hard. If he moves, I will miaow mightily in his face.

There is a fleecy jumper on the sofa, which was meant for my brother Gerry, but I have taken that over as mine. Only Angel O'Cakes, the most senior cat is allowed to sleep in it. I wouldn't dare cross her, she's eighteen and does not mess about if she is displeased. If I want attention I will sit on whatever a human is reading. Newspapers, books, the post, empty plates, keyboards, I do not care, all are concealed beneath my mighty backside.

If you pet me slightly incorrectly I still don't hesitate in giving you the bitey. I am nothing if not generous. If Elizabeth is a bitey cat, then I would extend my warmest regards to her. I admire a feisty feline.

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Curator here, with sincerest thanks to WW!