SINGER Susan Maughan used to be Bobby's Girl but these days her heart belongs to Sapphire, Chardonnay, Esmerelda, Topaz and Ruby - her pet Bengal cats.

For years Susan, who is currently appearing in the Sunday night show Summer Seaside Special at Bournemouth's Pier Theatre, favoured canine companions.

The most famous was her toy poodle Bobby, named after her huge sixties hit Bobby's Girl.

"We were photographed together all the time," she recalls.

Other pets followed including Yorkshire terriers and a Llaso Apso, the breed favoured by celebrity dog owners like Paul O'Grady and Geri Halliwell.

But a busy touring schedule meant that eventually she had to find the dogs new homes.

It wasn't long however before she discovered the joy of cats - in particular Bengals.

She looks after her five pedigree cats with the help of a couple of friendly veterinary assistants who live near her East Sussex home.

"They are beautiful animals, an incredible breed. They have wonderful characters, beautiful markings and they look just like little leopards."

In fact Susan has even started breeding the animals, taking them to stud at Long Beech Luxury Boarding Cattery which is run by Bengal cat expert Pamela Nunn on the edge of the New Forest at Copythorne, near Southampton.

Susan Maughan appears in Summer Seaside Special at the Pier Theatre in Bournemouth tomorrow night (September 12).

Also appearing will be The Bachelors, Oriental magic act Tensai and comedian Stu 'Crush a Grape' Francis. Telephone 0870 111 3000.