Anyone who has ever owned a pet understands the special bonds we make with our animal friends, and celebrities are no different. In HNGN's "Stars & Their Pets," celebrity photographer Christopher Ameruoso - the author of the "Pets And Their Celebrities" (2001) and its successful follow up "Pets And Their Stars" (2005) - documents the human-animal relationship through the eyes of the famous.
Next up in "Stars & Their Pets" is actress, director and model Tricia Helfer and her cats Cesar and Bella. Known for her role as Cylon Number Six in the sci-fi TV series "Battlestar Galactica," the Canadian-born beauty has also graced the pages of magazines like Playboy and Maxim.
Tell us a little about Cesar and Bella?
Bella and her sister, Delilah, I adopted in New York when I was still living there. They were part of a litter of nine that had been found in an alley. I don't know much more than that, except they were the last two to get adopted out of the litter and the foster suggested I might not want them because of Bella's "funny feet." She's a polydactyl (or Hemingway cat), meaning she has an extra claw on her front paws. I loved her "mitten" feet and adopted them straight away. They were only about nine weeks old at the time and are now turning 14 years old.
Cesar we adopted from Kitten Rescue here in Los Angeles. He had been taking in by them after a lady dropped him off at a vet where one of the volunteers worked. Apparently he had been a street cat that played with this lady's kids behind their apartment complex and was always super friendly. The woman found him one day with his jaw hanging off and broken in five places. The vet figures he was attacked by a dog. Kitten Rescue took him in and paid for his surgery. He had recuperated at the president of KR's house and was now healthy again, and one day when I was visiting I met Cesar. He was such an insane flirt that I instantly fell in love and adopted him. To this day he is a crazy flirt with almost anyone. He loves people and, oddly, loves dogs.
How did you get so involved in rescuing cats?
I love all animals, but I've always had an affinity for cats. Because of my job, I travel a lot, so it hasn't been easy for me to foster much. I've only really fostered one spring when I knew I was going to be home a bit more. I got involved with Kitten Rescue after donating money to them when I was at Petco buying cat food. They had a little stand there and some cats up for adoption. I think I was actually on the way to the airport, and before my husband dropped me off, we stopped in for supplies. Anyway, I saw the donation sign and I wrote a check, handed it to the woman and walked away. She caught up to me and was crying and hugged me. I remember being warmed by seeing how much this volunteer cared. A few months later when my husband and I decided to adopt another cat, we remembered Kitten Rescue and went to them for adoption. We've adopted a few more from them since, and I got more involved with the organization, and also with HSUS, Best Friends, RAPS and PETA. I decided to make a "shop" section on my website where 100 percent of the profits would go to animal charities. Because of my work travel, I'm not home enough to be as hands-on as I'd like in terms of volunteering, so I hope I can at least help out with donating what I can, and also with helping to raise awareness.
How many rescues do you have right now?
I have 10 rescues right now.
Do either Cesar or Bella have any of your personality, and if so, how?
I'd say one or two other cats have more of my personality than Cesar or Bella. Bella's sister, Delilah, is actually quite a bit like me. Cesar is just insanely super friendly and he's also got a little alpha attitude. Bella is quite reserved and quiet.
How much attention does Bella demand?
Bella is content to be fairly quiet, but when she wants attention she is not shy to let you know. She has a very cute high-pitched squeak, almost more than a meow, and she'll squeak at you, and then as you go to pet her, she'll run away making sure you follow and pet her where she wants to lay down and be pet. She likes to cuddle with my husband at night.
How much attention does Cesar demand?
Cesar doesn't necessarily demand attention. He is just always around getting attention. He is the alpha of the brood and he definitely shows it. He loves when people come to the house and he will flirt with them unapologetically. At night he is either cuddled up with us, snoring (yes he snores), or he's patrolling the house doing his alpha thing.
What are some of their favorite things?
Both Bella and Cesar love the sunshine and the cattery (enclosed, outdoor cat playroom). They also both like going on harnesses and leashes in our backyard. They come running at the sound of us getting the harnesses out.
What does Bella do to cheer you up when you are not happy?
Bella can sit on your lap for hours. If you're not feeling well, she can sit by you for hours and just be relaxed. She's content to just sit beside you and isn't demanding. She has a calming effect.
What do they do that makes you smile or laugh?
Cesar does a couple things that make me laugh. He snores really loudly. He passes out flat on his back with his paws all splayed out...snoring. And almost every morning after breakfast, he'll go a little crazy and run full speed around the house for no apparent reason. He doesn't have a toy with him, his hair will just get all poofy on his back and tail, and he'll run around fast and crash into walls. It's very funny to witness.
What do you personally get from rescuing?
I love rescuing. The animals are so thankful that you've given them a chance. Sometimes they've had a tough go at life and take a while to settle in and feel safe, but when they do, it is just so rewarding.
What have you learned from having these cats in your life?
I have learned to not feel sorry for myself. I have a couple of old cats with ailments and a three-legged cat. They don't feel sorry for themselves, they just keep on going. They give you so much love it's silly.
What do your rescues really mean to you?
They are family, 100 percent. It's a lot of work, but they are just so darn sweet and silly and funny and full of love.
How does your husband like having all these rescue cats in your life?
I had Bella and Delilah when my husband and I met. He quickly fell in love with them and has been a huge supporter of having animals. He was never really an animal person before. Not that he disliked animals, just didn't have any or didn't really understand the bond with them. He has definitely changed his tune and is a certified crazy cat person like me.
What is the greatest thing about being a guardian for cats?
Quite simply the joy I get from helping save a few wonderful little souls. They give me so much love every day.
