Binks the Siamese Cat was supposed to be named after a character in a movie, but his name was confused and now he strangely thinks of himself as more a dog than cat. Whatever he is and whoever he thinks he is, Jason Greer, presenter of All Access, just adores him and his dog-like antics.   

AT: Tell us about your pet?
JG: His name is Binks. I actually wanted to name him after the cat from Meet The Parents  but I got the names confused… He’s a four year old Siamese cat who’s very, well, different. He loves to go on his evening walks. Yes, I know it’s weird, but most nights I’ll take him for a walk around our complex. He’s like a dog in a lot of respects!

AT: What else does he do that is dog-like?
JG: He loves to lick everywhere, and I mean everywhere…especially where dogs like to, if you get my drift. He also waits at the door for us to get home whenever we are out and always wants to be near us or on us. He is constantly seeking our attention, sort of like, ‘look at me, look at me’ and follows us from room to room. He really should have been a dog!

AT: That is hilarious! What made you decide to get a dog...err...I mean…cat in the first place?
JG: I grew up with a Siamese cat called Clousseau (named after the inspector from The Pink Panther) and because we live in a complex, having a cat is so much easier.

AT: Does he have any weird or funny habits?
JG: He has two. Since he was a kitten he’s been biting his fur out and no amount of vet visits has stopped this; his second is that he HAS to lie on my legs when I’m resting them on the coffee table.

AT: Do you think you would get another pet in the future?
JG: I’d like to say no, but pets do die and I don’t think many people can live without having a pet.

AT: Did you have any other pets growing up?
JG: Besides my other Siamese cat, I had two Cocker Spaniels. They are such beautiful dogs!

AT: Do you have any funny stories about you and animals?
JG: The first incident with an animal that I can remember was when I was about four and I saw a little Pekinese which I tried to stroke. Obviously he didn’t like small kids, because he nearly bit my finger off and I have since disliked those dogs.
The other incident was when I went to a cheetah rescue centre. I was watching them and noticed they were trying to gnaw through their enclosures to get at me. No jokes! That was quite scary… besides that, nothing too frightening.

AT: One of your clients is Phumelela. Do you often go to the races? How are you involved with them?
JG: Funny enough I know almost nothing about horse racing. I usually MC the fashion shows that they have there. That’s my speciality.

AT: What are your thoughts on Greyhound racing?
JG: Well, I’ve never been to a Greyhound race but ever since reading Claud’s Dog  by Roald Dahl, 15 years ago, I haven’t been a fan of that sort of racing.

AT: One of your other clients is the SPCA. How are you involved with them?
JG: I’ve hosted a couple of events for them for free. I just think they are such a great bunch of people!!

AT: Are you planning on doing anything special for animals over the holiday season?
JG: I’d like to donate some money and, if possible, some time to the FreeMe organisation or The Lory Park Zoo. I think what they do is fantastic and just so important.

AT: Do you have any ideas on how to alleviate the homeless animal situation in South Africa?
JG: It breaks my heart when I see dogs or cats running aimlessly in the streets and I have often wondered about the question before, but as yet, I have no solution. I think this is something that has been bothering people all over the country but trying to find a way to curb it, I think, is near impossible.

AT: What do you think is the one thing all people should know about owning a cat?
JG: Don’t bath your cat unless you have full protective gear! Such as: goggles, rubber gloves, indestructible overalls, thick workman boots and LOTS of towels!

AT: If there was one quality you could take from your cat and give to yourself, what would it be?
JG: Being able to fall asleep in ANY position!

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Text: Kerry de Bruyn
Photography: Courtesy of Jason Greer