Our Cute New Kittens Are A Delight'

Like many, Clare Balding has slowed down and reflected on how the simple things in life matter the most

- Jane Kemp

Clare Balding’s family has expanded recently – she’s sitting on a beanbag with four lively grey kittens clambering over her legs when we meet up with her. A fifth, Eric, has been busy trying to get up the chimney (it’s blocked!), and leaps out of the fireplace to join sisters Simba and Pickle, and brothers Freddie and Gordon.

The sheer joie de vivre of their kittens is a delight for Clare, 49, and wife Alice, 58.

‘We love seeing their little faces looking up at us saying “hello” every morning,’ gushes Clare. ‘There’s so much we can learn from the way animals live, like the joy of playtime and the importance of good food, plenty of sleep, and affection.

‘They’re the basic things humans need too – along with not worrying so much about what other people think.’

The kittens are a bright light in what has been a difficult time for the couple – as they lost their adored dog Archie in July.

‘He had been with us for 15 years -– we chose him together’ says Clare. ‘But I was thankful to be at home over the summer and able to spend time with him during his last days.