From Abuse To Stardom: Tiki Has Come A Long Way

Toss out the superficial glitz: a few minutes around Tiki and you quickly learn, she's her own cat.

"She's unflappable," says owner-trainer Tammy Maples of San Bernadino, Calif., of this one-time psychological fritz turned Hollywood star, who stopped by for a visit last week during a 15-city promotional tour for Program, a product designed to protect against flea infestations in a monthly tablet, and the virtues of pet sterilization.

"She's accomplished more than any animal I've handled," adds Maples, a trainer for 19 years and co-founder of Jungle Exotics, a 60-acre ranch in the San Bernadino foothills designed to train and rent animals for film and television productions. It is home to both exotic and domestic animals ranging from lions, tigers, leopards, pythons, llamas and alligators to dogs, cats and barnyard species.

Tiki, an 8 1/2-year-old sealpoint Himalayan, is a sparkling testimonial to the most neglected ZIP code in animal-welfare circles, the kitty mill.

"We got her through a groomer who knew the owner and us," recalls Maples. "She'd been declawed and lived in a cage for most of her life. She was used for breeding and was suffering from an infection when we got her at age 1 1/2. She was carrying a dead kitten, too."

It was more a good Samaritan act than anything, emphasizes Maples, who certainly didn't see stardom written across Tiki's face. "She was an emotional basket case. She'd been psychologically abused and, quite frankly, didn't trust anyone. But who could blame her."

After getting Tiki immediate veterinary care, including spaying, Maples brought the cat home. "I turned her loose in the house and it was almost four months until she'd come out from beneath the bed or behind desks and file cabinets to mingle with the rest of us (including dogs and birds).

"My intention was to allow her to her to establish a comfort zone on her terms and see where it would take her. I couldn't see her becoming an animal actor. I planned to get her turned around to the point she'd make someone a good pet."

Gradually, Tiki began to blossom, leaping on desks and allowing office personnel to stroke and pet her. It wasn't long before she became "the official office cat."

Almost a year later, Disney personnel were searching for the three leading animal characters for "Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey" - a film about a beloved cat and two dogs separated from their family. The trio then embark on an almost impossible trek through the wilderness of a national forest, to find their way home.

"I was in Hong Kong but I was told that when they visited Jungle Exotics, they saw Tiki, and said, `That's Sassy!' "

The staff shuttered in near disbelief, since Tiki had no formal training and was only beginning to feel comfortable around strangers. Staffers' thoughts turned immediately to back-ups.

But this onetime psycho project turned model of decorum found herself on a fast track to potential stardom. A "purrsonality" transplant and bit of confidence, and who needed back-ups?

The animal adventure was shot in 60 days in Oregon and Tiki performed marvelously well with the two dogs, an adult golden retriever and an American bulldog puppy. The film was released in 1993.

Maples praises the spirited and spunky Tiki's progress. "From starting point to now, she's an over-achiever. She's really a special cat."

Tiki has played several other minor film roles before assuming a role in the NBC sitcom, "Caroline in the City."

"She's in about half the season's episodes," says Maples. "If there's one with scenes in the loft, she'll be in it."

Tiki's exploits include taking a note downstairs from the loft, notifying the guys Caroline was sick; venturing out in the hallway to get a candy bar and returning with it in her mouth; constantly pestering Richard (one of the lead characters) in his work area; and on a Thanksgiving episode last year, she ate the Thanksgiving pie (chicken pie) on the kitchen counter.

"We get the script on Thursday and have to be ready by the following Tuesday," says Maples. "It's been an enjoyable season. Everyone on the set loves the cat, although their roles don't always express it."

Richard, has a love-hate relationship with Tiki. On one show, he made a remark, Maples recalls, like, "How would you like to take a spin in the microwave?" and quickly found himself flooded with hate mail.

Maples and Tiki return to "Caroline" filming in late July. "This promotional tour is good for her," says Maples. "She's an excellent traveler, does well around strangers and is learning to cope with even more challenges."

Airports, newspaper offices, television talk-show sets. No matter the venue, Tiki is right at home.

Patience and attention span are rated her top two attributes by Maples. "It might take 45 minutes to film a scene of several minutes in `Caroline,' " says Maples. "But Tiki is content to remain where she's placed the entire time."

With an ever-changing four-camera set-up and live audience for each episode, Maples' challenges with Tiki are enormous. "She won't anticipate anything and seldom budges until I give the signal," says Maples.

The eight-pounder does everything at her pace. "She never runs," adds Maples. "Everything is done at a walk, but she takes her job very seriously."

Considering the mercurial nature and unpredictability of felines, Maples attributes Tiki's prowess to keeping her training both challenging and fun.

"She's no different than athlete in that respect. Cats can get bored rather easily. But if you vary the pattern, they'll remain focused."

P.S. - Tiki's travel mate throughout the national tour is Maui, the canine star of "Mad About You."

"They're best friends," concludes Maples. "And this way neither can get a big head."