Editor’s Diary: Cats And Keyboards


editors diary

Regular readers of this Editor’s Diary know that my two cats are big fans of working from home.

They love “helping”, especially when I’m very busy and deadlines are looming.

Matilda, in particular, has enthusiastically adjusted to her new role as a member of the “Friend” team.

She enjoys taking part in team meetings, and even made a guest appearance when I recently interviewed TV presenter Neil Brand.

Thank goodness we were able to edit the video!

Far from being put off his stride, Neil, a huge cat lover, was delighted. Phew!

However, I was less than delighted with her contribution last week . . .

Have you ever seen the TV sci-fi comedy “Red Dwarf“?

Dave Lister awakens after being in suspended animation for millions of years to find his only companions are a hologram and the Cat, a life form which evolved from Lister’s original pregnant cat.

Well, like the Cat, Matilda appears to have evolved. Not content with attending meetings, she has moved on to typing and sending messages to members of the “Friend” team.

The above exchange is what happened when I stepped away from my laptop for a few minutes and foolishly didn’t close the lid.

The little monkey only went and messaged Features Ed Alex! And then responded to his reply!

Luckily Alex, a cat owner himself, realised what was going on and wasn’t offended to receive such a cryptic message from me.

Imagine, though, if she had messaged someone who didn’t know me as well . . .

They do say you should never work with children or animals, don’t they?


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Angela Gilchrist

Angela is Former Editor-in-Chief of “The People’s Friend” magazine. Her passions include cats, Highland ponies, good books, vegetarian food and long walks in the Scottish countryside. Her favourite place to get away from it all is the magical Isle of Skye.