Tracy Borman, a historian, author, and broadcaster, balances her professional life with the demands of managing two pets: a Siberian cat named Wiggins and a Havanese dog called Cromwell. At 54, Borman serves as the chief executive of the Heritage Education Trust and chief historian for Historic Royal Palaces, frequently appearing on television to share her expertise.

Wiggins and Cromwell represent contrasting personalities within Borman’s household. Wiggins is described as a laid-back but assertive cat who often seeks attention, particularly during Borman’s video calls or writing sessions, sometimes interrupting by jumping on the keyboard. The cat’s playful and mischievous behavior includes incidents such as pulling down the Christmas tree as a kitten and once setting her tail on fire after jumping near lit candles—a situation quickly resolved by Borman. Her hunting instincts remain strong; Wiggins regularly brings mice into the home, and previously wiped out a pond full of frogs. Despite her initial horror at Cromwell’s arrival, the cat now tolerates the dog from a respectful distance, typically residing at opposite ends of the sofa.

Cromwell, the Havanese dog, is characterized by his anxious disposition, barking frequently at various stimuli, notably the postman, and chasing foxes in the neighborhood. Borman notes that Cromwell is prone to health issues common to his breed, having undergone two costly cruciate ligament surgeries due to injuries sustained while pursuing wildlife. His grooming routine is demanding and costly, involving regular haircuts, nail clipping, and dental care every 12 weeks.

Both pets share a partiality for certain human foods. Borman occasionally offers them roast chicken, and Cromwell particularly enjoys cheese, responding noticeably to the sound of a grater. Wiggins is allowed to sleep on Borman’s bed as a form of compensation for the disruption caused by Cromwell, who is restricted to the ground floor by a child safety gate.

Borman’s affection for her pets extends to investing heavily in their care, including professional grooming services tailored to their specific needs. She acknowledges that despite the challenges involved, the companionship they provide is meaningful, and she maintains a humorous perspective on their behavior, illustrated by an incident where Cromwell bit actor Tom Holland during a visit to Borman’s home.

Reflecting on her childhood in Lincoln, Borman recalls her first pet, a goldfish named Bubbles, which lived for eight years and was meticulously cared for by her family. She expresses a fondness for animals generally, even fantasizing about owning a giraffe, citing their gentle nature and connection to her father’s tall stature.

Borman also touched on pet ownership responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of cleaning up after dogs and advocating for more dog-friendly public spaces, such as beaches. She continues to engage with audiences through her writing and live events, including her upcoming UK tour focusing on Tudor history.