Historically, cats have always occupied a prominent position; in ancient Rome the cat was a symbol of liberty while in Egypt the cat was held to be sacred. Witches always had a cat as their familiar friend but today a black cat crossing your path is seen as a sign of good luck!

For Moya Ní Élí cats are the most soothing of animals on our planet, a passion that she shares with the French writer Colette. Moya finds them enigmatic, deep and incredibly tuned in, the Tai Chi of her world. She told me that cats are not as independent as we'd like to think – she takes cats on daily walks.

For a person who describes herself as "living life against the clock," I found Moya very "laid back." She sees humour in a lot of things and laughs often. Although schooled under the shadows of Gaeilge, she describes these childhood memories as being associated with Aran cardigan and tweed "underpants!" – It was only in later life when she had left Ireland that she discovered the sheer beauty of the langauge.

A Sandymountarian who began writing poetry just three years ago, Moya's style is unique and bilingual. She samples new poetic styles associated with the affluence of exotic chocolates. Cats are featured in symbolic fashion throughout much of her work and not as animals which have nine lives.

Moya would have enjoyed playing "The Minister's Cat," a popular Victorian parlour game, which described the cat belonging to the church minister. By using verse the game encompasses a blurred but humorous distinction between feline and human nature.

Another recurring theme in both Moya's life and poetry is her ambition to educate people to become more environmentally friendly – "With six cats there is little to bin!" she says. Unlike most of us, Moya does not aspire to win the Lotto but to see "a separate bin collection in Sandymount because metal, glass, clothes, paper and foodstuff are all recyclable."

Her tip of the month regarding cat welfare is for people to be more responsible and to make sure their animals are neutered.

So the next time you see a tall, slim, flame-haired woman walking down the streets of Sandymount with six cate, beware!