Back in 1956 Gerald Durrell wrote an iconic novel that outlined outlandish foibles of a family and its time spent on a nature-rich island. My Family and Other Animals was an autobiographical book, bringing out the naturalist in Durrell, but guess what? Most fashionable celebrities may be seen in fur or leather every now but these ones are animal lovers to the extent of being almost Durrell-esque. Instep meets four animal enthusiasts at their homes to capture a glimpse of their four-legged or white winged family members when they’re not working…

Amir Adnan with Pepsi and Paula

Who knew Amir Adnan once lived with 52 animals in his house, making it better stocked than Karachi Zoo! While most people would prefer a mutt or a furry cat, Amir Adnan’s pet list was rather exotic, including the usual domestic farm animals, hamsters and gerbils, rabbits, turtles and exotic poisonous frogs. Until a few months ago there was even a snake (adopted by Adnan’s son, without his wife Huma’s knowledge). The snake had to go after it went missing in the designer’s sprawling mansion, only to be found (a couple of sleepless days later) in an aggressive, hissing and hungry state. Thankfully, Huma put her foot down and the serpent was sent back.

Currently Adnan and his family host turtles, a couple of birds and two lovable dogs Pepsi and Paula. Three and a half years old Pepsi is a cross between a German Shepherd and a Labrador and was born on February 5. The Chihuahua, Paula, on the other hand, has been quite annoying to live with and is generally a hater who only gives you her attention in exchange for a sausage – snobby much? With a bunch of pets already part of the whole family, Adnan’s son has been an insisting for a python! Guess the kids will never get over their fascination with snakes.

Wardha Saleem, Oreo and the eight minions

When it comes to cats and dogs there is always a subtle rivalry between the two, like in the original movie, Cats and Dogs. Homeward Bound was probably the only story that saw the two mammals share a comfortable space with each other. Designer Wardha Saleem’s home also seems to be at odds with nature as her brother Nubain’s popular dog Oreo and Wardha’s eight Himalayan cats live peacefully under one roof.

A regular at fashion weeks, two-years-old Oreo is an immigrant from Thailand but his journey to Pakistan wasn’t an easy one – the poor little pup was stuck in customs for seven days! However, he quickly adapted and now enjoys the life of a diva. While Wardha holds a special place for Oreo, she equally loves her cats. Surprisingly, the first cat that Wardha was gifted on her graduation from IVSAA was also called Oreo. Now after eight years, his generation continues to live happily at Wardha’s warm and welcoming home. Mimi, Lolo and Foster are the elder ones whereas the five kittens, sitting clueless inside their comfy nest, are yet to be named. One big happy family it is!

Nomi Ansari and Casper

Designer Nomi Ansari and his Citron Cockatoo called Casper are best buddies. Living in an elegant white cage in Nomi’s earthy room, Casper shares an unusual friendship with Nomi, who treats Casper like a diva misbehaving at a photo shoot. If Honey Singh has a true fan, then it’s definitely Casper who takes an instant to flex his wings when ‘Blue Hai Paani Paani’ plays in the background.

Bought when only two months old, the parrot has been in Nomi’s life for over four years and is part of the family. One nod from Nomi and it flies over and rests on his shoulder. If all else fails to make Casper flaunt his tricks, Nomi’s adorable niece is the last resort who is bound to make the dramatic bird start with its antics. Nomi’s little friend is just as cute as Christina Ricci’s ghostly buddy but we have to say, this one has a sharper tongue!

Sadaf Malaterre and her adorable pugs

One would probably expect Sadaf Malaterre to own a bunch of Dalmatians given her style but the quirky designer loves all kinds of animals. With a dozen cats roaming around her lounge, three little pugs keeping her on her feet and another one, who was rescued, resting in the backyard, Sadaf is truly an animal lover and encourages others to be too. No wonder she actively volunteers for Ayesha Chundrigar’s Foundation, an animal shelter for stray animals.

Sadaf got her first cat from her grandmother when she was only three years old. Her pugs have been with her for almost six years now, all unusually born on January 25. Puggie the mother is a calm and peaceful figure whereas the kids Mia and Oagie are as naughty as any other kid. While these are her priced possessions, she believes that her rescue dog Hockey (Left) is "the most beautiful personality on the face of this earth".