Name: Sharqi
Age: 6 Months
Breed: Color Point Persian
Human: Stephanie Oldford (Senate and Curriculum Services)
Today Sharqi joined me for my rainy morning cup of coffee.
Anthony: We understand that as the youngest cat model in UBC-ES Connected history you have quite the busy schedule. What important event from your day did you take off to make time for this interview?
Sharqi: Once I was told that a busy body produces a keen mind. In order to stay sharp and fit I have recently taken up curtain climbing. This shows the world how I am all about adventure and am seeking more action photos for my instagram. Of course, I still need 11 hours of sleep a day as well, so I make a lot of time for that. It’s always a full day for the modern cat.
Anthony: Curtain climbing? That sounds dangerous! Looks like you are living up to your reputation as a bad boy.
With all that activity you can’t possibly look that fluffy and good all the time. What is your daily beauty routine like?
Sharqi: Stephanie uses a toy with bristly things to rub me sometimes, but I attack it before she can really do anything. My look is all natural.
Anthony: Well, I am jealous. Of that natural look; Stephanie attacking you with bristly things sounds terrifying.
Rumours are abound that you actually cohabitate with another Persian. What is that like? Any personality conflicts or juicy drama?
Sharqi: I currently live with another Persian. Her name is Zephyr and she is a sophisticated lady. She gets annoyed by my constant need to be first and in the middle of everything. So she takes her frustrations out in our daily cat-jitsu-practice.
Anthony: Hmmm… Sounds rough! Make sure you take care of yourself out there! Speaking of getting out of hairy situations; as seen by how much you like baskets you must love to travel. Where is one place that you would like your career and life to take you?
Sharqi: Ahhh, yes! I hear stories of this great and expansive world out there! Often when I tired of all the attention and adoring fans I dream of a simpler life. I want to go glamping in the trailer out in the wilderness. Zephyr has been a few times, but I am still too young they say. Soon I shall roam like a free cat!
Anthony: It is pretty evident that you have a great dramatic range. Where do you get your inspiration? Are there any select roles you would like to tackle in the coming years?
Sharqi: I feel as I do not get to choose the parts I play in life. I am chosen by my roles. It just happens to be that I am equally dramatic and comedic in my performances. At times it feels as if it is a burden to be so talented.
Anthony: There is a story behind those piercing blue eyes. What was your life like before settling into your current role?
Sharqi: I am a kitten of mystery. I used to like to hide whenever people come to visit and just observe the world from under the couch. But now I am getting used to more adventure.
Anthony: You’re still quite young and haven’t been through a Vancouver winter yet. How do you plan to cope with the rain? Thoughts on snow?
Sharqi:I don’t go outside yet, as I only just got my last shot. But I hear that I will be able to do a lot of hiding in the snow. From the pictures I’ve seen it looks so warm fluffy and white! Just like me!
At this point I did not want to upset the optimistic young kitten and left him with his tea and dreams of some mythical warm and snowing Vancouver winter.