Strictly Scamp

Television presenter Kate Garraway enchanted a new audience with her recent appearance on the BBC’s Saturday night show, Strictly Come Dancing, but she is still best known for her sunny smile and its warming effect on GMTV viewers every weekday morning.

While many of us are still talking ourselves into waking up, Kate has done a day’s work and still looks as fresh as a daisy. Her fans admire her elegance and poise and emulate her style but little do they know that the key to her early morning success is a black and white cat called Scamp.

How did Scamp find his way into your home?
He was found in a black bin liner by a friend, and I decided to take him in straight away.

How does he get on with the family?
He is my daughter, Darcy’s, best friend.
He understands that she’s little and he’s really good with her. Darcy reads him stories and gives him lots of kisses. They’re about the same size so he seems quite happy for her to cuddle him!

Is it true that Scamp wakes you for work every morning?
Everyone in our house is under the paw! We do live by his rules – he still wakes me up at 3.30am at weekends as he’s so used to getting me up so early in the week!

What kind of ‘person’ is he?
He’s a very laid back character. He has a lovely gentle nature – he doesn’t chase mice or anything like that.

Does Scamp need a lot of grooming?
He does need a little grooming. When we lived in the country he would come home looking like a ball gown that had been dragged through a muddy field!

Does he go on holiday with you?
No, that’s not necessary. I’m lucky that I have friends and family who will happily come over and look after Scamp while we’re away. If we are going away for a long holiday, Scamp stays with my uncle in the country. That’s his holiday!

Did you buy Scamp a Christmas present?
My family bought him gifts –tins of tuna!

Kate and Scamp feature in the PDSA Pet Pawtraits calendar 2008.

01/03/2008