Today we interview Quint Colehaus a unique and talented member of the feline artistic community. A member of the Colehaus Cats blog, Quint Cole is known for his elegant small scale paintings of an abstract nature, and his subtle touch with the acrylic painting medium.

I got in touch with Quint as I wanted some insight into the mind of this exciting and colourful feline artist. (Check out Quint’s latest paintings here.)

We began with how Quint got in touch with his inner painter.

You are a cat of rare artistic talent – how did you discover your gift?

Thank you, Dash! That’s very kind of you to say. I don’t think of my talent as rare so much as innovative. You see, someone (and we’re not using names, right?), regularly flicked toothpaste on the big reflective glass thing in one of the rooms I stayed in as a kitten. Those little toothpaste specks were so enticing, I couldn’t stop myself from touching each one.

Imagine my glee when I discovered I could transform those teensy dots into long sweeping lines. Of course, Mom and the Dad (Oops! I said his name!) weren’t too happy and wiped my hard work away day after day.

But I was hooked on painting by then and it didn’t take long to get creative with the next medium I was presented with – cat litter and a blank canvas, namely a set of closet doors.

Mom says hearing me paw and dab at the doors every day sparked an idea in her head and the rest is history.

I am curious about your materials – is the paint safe for cats?

I use a child and pet-friendly water-based acrylic paint found at most craft stores. Mom waters it down so it’s not so sticky and I feel safe using it. Regrettably, it’s not tuna-flavored.

Even if so, I wouldn’t recommend tasting it! I was recently asked if I shopped for my own paint colors. What a great idea! But so far, no. I have to rely on Mom or the Dad to pick up paint, artist’s paper and small canvases for me because they have yet to take me with them when they go craft shopping. But that’s changing!

Have you seen photos of me in my handsome green walking harness shopping at my local pet supply store? I love that place! Going to the craft store could only be next, right?

Anyone else has the ‘painting gene’ at Colehaus?

No one that I can tell. It’s not just the painting part; one has to be okay with the washing of the paws afterwards part too. It’s not hard to imagine my sisters, who primp and nap most of their time away, cringing and running away at the mere thought of intentionally getting their toesies wet.

Me? Doesn’t bother me in the least. I have a little secret: I get treats after painting! Shhh, don’t tell my sisters or there won’t be any treats left for me!

You are a member of a very special family – your blog byline ‘Each one rescued, each one loved’ is a strong statement – why those words?

The Dad explains it best, I think. He’s told us stories of all the other kitties who came before us. Those are some of my favorite Dad-time stories. Each cat was special, no matter how short or for long they were part of our family.

He says each one left a lasting impression and sweet memory in his heart and in Mom’s too. Our Colehaus Cats blog is our way of allowing the world to see how exceptional and distinctive rescued kitties are and perhaps, a reader might feel so moved as to rescue and love a kitty or two themselves and further enrich their own lives.

What’s the Quint Colehaus favourite chill out spot after a painting session?

That’s easy. The soft napping bed in the Cat Den with one of my mousies. My current favorite is Mr. Mousie #126! I love my mousies and tend to wear them out rather quic’kly.

• Check out Quints Online Store NOW

I was browsing the Colehaus blog and discovered your CatCam – what inspired this cool innovation?

Oh, that! Mom loves webcams and says there aren’t enough of those showing everyday lives of cats. Now, I ask you, isn’t that why the Internet was invented?

Finally, “A Dream for Quint” Do you have one hope or dream that would change or shake the anipal world?

Well, I don’t know how much my dream might change or shake our anipal world but I would dream of a world where all animals have loving forever homes and families. We’re all aware of pet overpopulation and homelessness.

So many pets, be it dogs or cats, birds, bunnies or hamsters, have lost their forever homes, are trying hard to be noticed in overcrowded shelters and need help.

I think adoption, rather than purchase, is just one of the solutions to this problem. I dream that we ask every human to open their hearts for just one more pet, whether that be to adopt or to sponsor a pet until adoption.

That kind act will give the gift of love for so many who have never known it and will save the lives of so many whose times are nearing an end simply because there are too many. *dabs paw at leaky eyes* I’m one of the lucky ones now but as a young one, I remember worrying that no one would ever love me.

I can’t imagine a life worrying about that day after day. You never know, that rescued kitty with the big goofy paws could turn into an internationally known painter someday!

• Check out the Quint Colehaus Art Shop