Chilli had a rocky start, landing at the Rochester vet as a young kitten and hand-raised through his first few weeks of life. Six months on and he’s fully embracing the ‘house cat’ title on Raymond and Sarah Parker’s Undera dairy farm.
Where did Chilli come from?
We got him from the Rochy vet and he was already named. He was supposed to be a farm cat, but he’s a house cat, really.
How old is Chilli?
He’s around six months.
How did you end up with him?
We were looking for another cat and he was available at the vets. He’s had no issues adjusting to farm life — although, it’s not really farm life for him.
Do you have other pets?
We have an older cat called Rebel. They get along like brother and sister — so they are friends who have little scraps. We had a milker whose dog chased Rebel. Well, Chilli raced in and beat that Jack Russell up.
Where’s Rebel?
She’s inside sleeping. She is bigger than Chilli, but she is also older too, so all she does is sleep. Chilli is a teenager, so he’s out and about more. We put a bell on him because he’s been stalking Rebel non-stop. Now she’s got some warning.
What’s Chilli like?
Super friendly. He’s called Chilli because he’s so chillaxed.
Do they know tricks?
The cats know ‘sit’. I also trained them with treats, so when I shake the bag they come running and I can easily lock them inside before dark. They sleep inside — it’s safer for them and the native wildlife.
Words and pictures: Daneka Hill