different. Jean Mills didn’t intend to make about half the year in two or three different like all the (laughing), all the other little Interview with Ailurophile a ton of money out of doing something tranches of domestic stay with us. We’re guys! He’s just cute because I’m a good that produced a very pretty cat, did she? kind of his other home and he is a fifth photographer, (laughing) when in real- Ian Anderson She was a professional scientist, a ge- cat. Five is the tops, we won’t entertain any ity he’s a little bastard!” (Laughing) (yes, that Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull!) neticist, working on a real issue that just more than that. In fact, this last Christmas happened to be the by-product of that, our most recent arrival was admitted to RM: Yet, the little darlings look so sweet! By Ramona D. Marek, MS ED. and I think that is a forgivable one. the household because another cat we’d had for 12 or 13 years finally passed away. IA: (Laughing) Yeah, they make themselves Of course with the first two or three There was a few months of void and after a look sweet but you’ve got to catch them While preparing for the article, “Lyrical Felines: generations of the Bengals you wouldn’t suitable time, we decided we would have a in a sweet mood, and as a photographer, really want to advise people to keep as pets. kitten; a stripey, tabby one. We haven’t had you will know how difficult it is to get the Cat in Music,” I had the distinct pleasure But most people who have a Bengal today one of those since the last Bengal passed that one shot of a cat because very often of chatting with the venerable ailurophile, are buying it for the prettiness of it, being away; we’ve had black or black and white. their eyes are closed, they’re fast asleep, a spotted or marbled cat, that has a lot of We have what I think is called a Blotched or they’re in a bad mood with theirs ears Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull about two of our charm and a lot of good traits once it’s suf- Tabby, we’re pretty sure that he has some flat. Or they turn their back to you and all favorite topics, cats and music. Mr. Anderson ficiently removed from having too many of marbled Bengal parentage because of his you get from your beautiful kitty picture the pure Asian Leopard Cat genes. I’ve had markings. I’ve never seen a regular domestic is an expensive porn shot of the rear end! is a lifelong cat lover with a personal passion F2 and F3 Bengals in the past, many years tabby that had such bold markings so I for raising awareness about the plight of the ago, but I wouldn’t advise people to keep figure he has a bit of the marbled Bengal There were many more topics that we them as pets at all. I think you’ve got to be thing in the background there somewhere. talked about including the importance endangered 26 species of small wild cats. going to a reputable breeder and finding the of microchipping, collars and tags, being animal that is going to suit your domestic RM: Do you have any photos of you and greeted by cats when coming home from environment. I can happily recommend your cats you’d like to use for the article? a trip, the fascinating parallels of human most Bengals from most breeders but, of DNA testing and genetics, and of course, photo c/o Ian Anderson Group course, still there are a few around who IA: I have lots of pictures of my cats but music. Should you find yourself with the continue to sell early generations that I’m not in them because I’m the photog- opportunity to listen to Ian Anderson n the music arena, he’s currently tour- more interested in those wild felids who probably aren’t really good domestic pets. rapher. (Laughs). When you take pictures speak about small wild cats or catch a ing with a new production, Jethro Tull, are the forerunners of the domestic cat. I Crossbreeding and Bengals of cats, as I do quite often, they just look show, you’re sure to have an enchant- the Rock Opera, which tells the story of (Tambourine jingle in background.) In like any other cat. (Laughing). People ing, educational and entertaining time. the original Jethro Tull’s (1674-1741) many countries of the world we have Life with Cats RM: Sometimes crossbreeding is say, “Oh wow, what a beautiful kitty!” life. Instead of being an agricultural endangered species of small wild cats used to save an endangered species RM: Have you always had And I say, “Well, yeah, he kind of looks pioneer and inventing the seed drill, the with relatively few people doing much and can be viewed as a positive ben- cats in your life? story is set in modern times with Tull about it. In most cases it’s just you and efit, for example, the Florida Panther as a biochemist and covers themes of your’n why should we be bothered? crossed with the Texas Cougar. genetic engineering and changes in the IA: I have been close to cats since child- hood; they’re my favorite animal. I’m scientific balance. The production fea- I’m actually going to the Edinburgh Zoo IA: Talking about the Texas Cougar or not really a doggie person. Primarily in tures virtual guests on video, some newly [October 19, 2015] to give a talk to people Florida so-called Panther, we’re talking my life, my cats over the years have been written material, and classic favorites with on the conservation society about small about the same ol’ thing—a mountain lion, feral farm cats who’ve had to be tamed slightly rewritten lyrics to better tell the wild cats in particular the Scottish wild cat, if you happen to be west of the Colorado and nurtured back to accepting a rela- modern-day tale. Visit www.jethrotull. the Felis sylvestris grampia, as it is most River. We’re talking about the same species tionship with humans and be part of the com for more information and tour dates. authentically known, with a view to try and here, we’re just talking about geographically household. Ours always worked out really drum up some public awareness in our only separate populations and it was a perfectly well after the first difficult week or two. For an enhanced reading experience, read surviving wild cat in the United Kingdom. justifiable move. But if you’re talking about Most of my cats have been plain moggies, Mr. Anderson’s answers with what he crossbreeding, for instance, a Bengal, with just unfortunate pairings of virile toms describes as the “dulcet tones of my BBC We don’t know for sure there are any its wild Asian Leopard Cat heritage, and an visiting some poor bedraggled female at English accent.” Feel free to read my ques- 100% pure Scottish Wild Cats left in the African Serval, I think we have to ques- the back of the corn store. (Laughs.) tions in a refreshing sweet tea Texas accent. environment. We could be down to the tion is that really appropriate to be doing last tens or hundreds of Scottish Wild Cat that for financial gain or aggrandizement RM: How many cats do you have? Small wild cat conservation purebred, or maybe even none at all. And of either you or your skill as a breeder, I the main problem, once you take away the think there are places where it becomes a IA: Well, we have four cats but half of the RM: Most people know you as the fact that many have been killed over the little bit..(deep sigh). Well, I’m certainly year we have a fifth cat because he is my frontman from the band Jethro Tull, years by game keepers, the main problem very uncomfortable about it. When we daughter’s family cat and they spend about but you’re also a passionate advocate for is the relentless advancement of mankind start doing that kind of stuff just to have six months of the year in Atlanta where the conservation of small wild cats. across a wilderness landscape of Scottish pretty, exotic cats to show off to other my son-in-law is one of the lead actors, or Highlands and with that goes the dilution people, I think frankly, it’s a bit distasteful. the lead actor, on the drama, The Walking IA: These are subjects close to my heart. of the genetics through the crossbreeding Dead. [His daughter, Gael, is married to the Whilst I have nothing against lions, tigers with domestic cats or with feral Felis catus, RM: You’ve had Bengal cats as pets before. actor, Andrew Lincoln.] So we get his cat for Current members of Jethro Tull or even snow leopards, they will attempt the domestic cat. That has spelled almost to bite my head off if I get too close. I’m certain doom for the Scottish Wild Cat. IA: I think the origins of the Bengal are

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