Villanelle adores evergreens, doesn’t like pop and rock

Famous French pianist Richard Clayderman has a new piano company since last year. The romantic prince, as he was named because of his magic fingers on the piano keys by former American First Lady Nancy Reagan, is listened during his rehearsals by his pet Villanelle. The one-and-a-half-year-old velvet beauty of the Rag doll breed almost always sneaks along to listen the sounds of piano keys. “Sometimes she’s even on the piano, on the keyboard, or on the music stand. I don’t know what other cats are like in terms of music, but mine obviously adores it. Maybe it calms her down, relaxes her or she just likes the sound of the piano keys. She loves evergreens, but obviously she doesn’t like pop and rock, ”says Clayderman exclusively for Estrada.si.
Villanelle is Clayderman’s first cat. His mother, however, always had cats, and apparently he inherited a love for these animals, but Villanelle is the first cat he owns. Since he and his wife live in Paris again, he thinks that it is not the most suitable place for a dog there. They live in an apartment with a beautiful view of the city and the Eiffel Tower and for a dog they believe is not the best environment. Dogs and cats are his favorite animals. “My wife persuaded me to decide to have a cat. Now I don’t regret it at all. I used to have dogs, but there were no problems with the change,” he says.

A cat fan of the piano is a completely domestic cat. She has more than enough living space, as the apartment is large and she can take good walks during her wanderings. “At first, I also thought that, like some other pet owners, I would take her somewhere on a leash, but she doesn’t like it, so we gave it up right away,” he says. The Claydermans often play with Villanelle, preferring to throw balls and plush mice. She also loves the so-called cat climbing tree, which also has a bed. If she doesn’t like a leash, she likes to cuddle on Clayderman’s knees or in his lap and spend the night in couple’s bed. Otherwise, she chose a maestro as her own. Judging by the behavior, she prefers to be with him. She is very friendly in terms of importance and loves to nurture. She always hides the claws and does not scratch. The Claydermans take care of the cat themselves completely. If there is a situation that will be necessary, they will hire a cat babysitter.

“Even though she has her own basket, she’s happiest in our bed. God thank we have a big bed, haha! She likes to stretch as long and as far as she can,” he says. In the apartment Villanelle has access to all rooms as it is a clean cat and also does no damage. Last year, due to the situation and Covid, the Claydermans didn’t go on holiday, but spent time in Paris. This year, however, it promises to be different. They are planning holidays at Saint Mallo, by the sea. This will also be the first holiday for Villanelle. She’ll go with them, too. The holiday will be a test for everyone, for the Claydermans and for the cat. It will take a few hours by car and accommodation in a residential hotel must be arranged. Namely, to make the first trip and temporarily move Villanella to a new environment, making them want the best that can be provided in avoiding any inconvenience.

Photos: Richard Clayderman personal collection