Rolanda Marais is a much-loved South African actress who has starred in a variety of movies and TV soaps. These include:
- Wolwedans in die Skemer
- Ballade vir ‘n Enkeling
- Binneland
- High Rollers on SABC3
She also dearly loves her two Siamese cats, and took the time to tell Animaltalk more about them.
“I love cats. They are such independent creatures, yet affectionate and so elegant. I honestly believe they have the ability to look right into one’s soul.” Her cat Charlotte, who passed away at the age of 23, was very special to her, and like many animals who are in tune with their loved ones, could just sense when she needed some love. Rolanda fondly remembers: “She would come and lie on top of my chest and purr when I was sad. She was the best companion. When she passed away, I decided not to get another cat for a while.” A few months later, she went to a shelter for rescued cats, just to get her ‘feline fix’ since she did not have pets at home anymore. She simply could not resist the charm of the beautiful Siamese brothers, Attyacus (name chosen by her husband Jozua after the book To Kill a Mockingbird) and Kostya (name chosen by Rolanda after a character in Seemeeu). “They were about two years old and very scared and skittish when I met them. When I saw them hiding under a big pillow, my heart just melted and I was so overcome by emotion that I just had to take them with me and give them a loving home. I believe in and feel very strongly about adopting. There are so many beautiful adult cats who need a loving home. Knowing that I’ve given the cat a second chance at being a happy kitty, who will in return bring joy to a home, warms my heart.”
*Read the full interview in the April 2016 issue of Animaltalk.
