September 23, 2022, 3:52 am | Read time: 8 minutes
Almost every family eventually faces the question: Should we get a pet or not? For actress Isabell Horn (38), it’s clear: “I’m only complete with a cat.” Her now-husband Jens Ackermann had to accept that. Initially a complete novice with animals, he has since become a top cat dad. The children are also being gently introduced to the animal world.
Cats have helped Isabell Horn through several crises, as she revealed in a major PETBOOK interview. In part 2 (here’s part 1), the actress and author (“Is This How It Stays? Depression, My Imperfect Life, and Me”) talks for the first time about the sad farewell to her cat Lotti, how pregnancy and cat ownership work well together, and what she wishes from pet owners.
PETBOOK: Isabell, you come from a family with a lot of animal experience. Your parents entrusted you with responsibility for the animals early on. Tell us about it!
Isabell Horn: “That was indeed a conscious decision by them. That’s how I learned responsibility and to handle animals with care. Also, what it means to have a pet. It’s a living being and needs not just food and water, but also love and attention. Then the animal gets sick, you have to go to the vet, and you suffer along with it. That’s all part of it.”
Do you want to introduce your children Ella and Fritz to the animal world in the same way?
“My children should also grow up with animals and feel and learn this love. I used to talk to my animals; they were comfort and companions. Yes, a mindful approach to the environment is very important to me. But also that my kids learn responsibility early on.”
What are your children allowed to help with?
“Well, we as parents have the main responsibility, but our little ones help a lot with feeding our cat Mia. They even remind us that the cat still needs to be fed. And of course, cuddling and playing. But for example, cleaning the litter box—they don’t do that, they’re too young and not interested. But neither am I.”
So who does it?
“My husband Jens does. He’s a great cat dad anyway. But rather unwillingly.”
“I would love to have a mini pig. And then mini goats
Why is that?
“Well, Jens and pets. Jens didn’t have a pet before he met me. And I came with the cats. We moved in together relatively quickly back then. My cats Mia and Lotti were already there. And then it was like, okay, I’m now permanently in Cologne for a job and only come home on weekends.
So it meant, please take care of the cats. And suddenly Jens had two cat kids. Incredible, he never imagined that. And then he moved with me out to the woods. From Berlin’s trendy district. But he does it great, and I think he can’t live without animals anymore.
And honestly, I want more animals. I would love to have a mini pig. And then mini goats. I think I need a farm. Yes, and I love chickens. I think when I’m older, I need a farm with lots of animals.”
Currently, you have one cat, previously two. How did you organize family life with the animals?
“Yes, that’s really a challenge many families face, especially when expecting a child. Some worry about hygiene or how the animals will get along with the baby. During my pregnancies, Mia and Lotti were already there for a long time.
At the gynecologist, we were told to be careful about toxoplasmosis. But I never really had strong fears that something could go wrong because we had thoroughly informed ourselves beforehand and addressed any concerns.”
Also interesting: Toxoplasmosis in Cats – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
How exactly did you prepare?
“When a baby is on the way, information is key. You can calmly talk to your gynecologist about how to handle pets. And if you’re unsure, you have your midwife by your side. We specifically paid more attention to hygiene. Jens cleaned the litter box, and otherwise, I was more excited than worried. About the beautiful time with the baby and the cats.”
How was the first meeting between your daughter Ella and the cats?
“I think I was more excited than the cats because it’s an adjustment, with a baby and cats, such unfamiliar sounds and smells. But we did it very gently, very calmly. We placed the baby carrier so the cats could sniff it and just waited.
First, our Lotti came and was incredibly curious. What’s this? What’s going on here? And Mia followed. The two cats were very curious and handled the situation wonderfully. Later, of course, there was some baby crying, sure. But everyone handled it brilliantly. The cats had their retreats, which is important, that they have their place where they are undisturbed.”
Also interesting: The Right Pet for My Child
Were there ever signs of jealousy?
“Jealousy was never an issue for us. It was more of an immediate friendship between the cats and Ella. However, at the beginning, I couldn’t play with them as intensely. So they were outside more. And Jens took care of them a lot more. (Link to Isabell’s play hacks for cats, video coming)
The focus of expectant parents does shift a bit. But my cats are still my first two children and always will be. Looking back, I have to say, having a baby and cats together is very time-consuming. But it works. And yes, I think I did justice to both.”
Hand on heart–were the cats allowed in the bed?
“Of course! Mia is definitely allowed in the bed. And I love it too. She likes to spread out, but she’s allowed to. In the early days with the first child, we didn’t let the cats into the bedroom because they might get into the little baby bed or possibly on the baby? We played it safe.
But then, when the kids were big enough, that changed. And now Mia also sleeps in the bed. She loves it when the bed is freshly made. Just freshly made, and bam, the cat’s in, everything covered in hair again.”
Also interesting: Can I Let My Dog Sleep in the Bed?
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“Sad experiences are part of life with animals
Now there are only five of you…
Yes, our cat Lotti is unfortunately no longer with us. Sad experiences are part of life with animals. They have a certain lifespan or may get sick. And I’ve also experienced having to put a beloved pet to sleep, both my beloved Heiner, my childhood cat, and Mia’s sister, Lotti.
That wasn’t so long ago, and I haven’t really talked about it publicly because it’s obviously incredibly emotional. Lotti was a family member, and you lose that and have shared so many years, so many memories.
Also interesting: What Types of Pet Funerals Are There?
How were your last days together with Lotti?
“She was seriously ill and couldn’t be operated on or otherwise healed. Lotti withdrew more and more before her death. Cats become very quiet then. They also suffer silently. If they are in pain, they don’t meow or scream but withdraw. They are almost preparing for death.”
How did you explain Lotti’s loss to your children?
“We were quite open about it and tried to illustrate it. Lotti is now in heaven, and she’s always with us, and she’s better off now. She had a wonderful time with all of us, which was very important to explain.
But especially for Ella, it wasn’t easy. She was very emotional. Fritz, I think, didn’t quite understand it yet. Of course, you have to filter the event for the children. But you should still talk openly about it. Also about what emotions the experience evokes or if there’s still a need to talk.”
Also interesting: Getting a Pet–Better from a Shelter or a Breeder?
“Getting a pet is super easy. But it means a lot of responsibility
If you could grant animals a wish, what would it be?
“Most importantly, I still find a mindful and loving approach to animals. It’s normal not to know everything or to have a problem with four-legged friends. But there’s so much help and places to seek advice.
Getting a pet is super easy. But it means a lot of responsibility. You have to be aware of that. Are the conditions right? Do I have enough space, does it fit into my daily life? And if you consider all that, a pet is actually the greatest gift on earth.”