Literary Lions and Their Feline Muses: Unpacking the Enduring Bond Between Writers and Cats

A recent episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation explored the profound and often overlooked relationship between renowned literary figures and their feline companions, shedding light on the cats who inspired some of the world’s most cherished literature. Hosted by Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson, the discussion featured Susannah Fullerton, a distinguished literary historian and author of the acclaimed book Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them. The conversation delved into the historical evolution of human-cat dynamics, the unique companionship cats offer to writers, and specific anecdotes that reveal the intimate bond shared between these creative minds and their whiskered muses.

The Unique Affiliation: Cats as Companions and Inspirations

The central premise explored in the podcast and Fullerton’s book is the special connection between writers and cats. As Fullerton articulated, writing is inherently a solitary endeavor, often requiring long hours of quiet contemplation. Cats, with their independent yet affectionate nature, provide an ideal form of companionship in such an environment. Unlike dogs, they do not demand walks or constant attention, yet their presence offers warmth, comfort, and occasional playful distraction. This dynamic often translates into literary inspiration, with cats appearing in poems, novels, short stories, and personal letters, offering insights into the authors’ private lives and creative processes.

The hosts, Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson, shared their own experiences with feline "assistance." Todd recounted how her cat, Melina, signals the end of her writing day by gently "wrapping her knuckles" on the keyboard. Benson described her cat, Apricat, as a "good assistant" who warms her lap while she works. These personal anecdotes underscore the universal nature of this writer-cat relationship, which often involves a delicate balance of inspiration, affection, and minor interruptions.

Susannah Fullerton, recognized with an Order of Australia Medal for services to literature, brings her expertise as a leading authority on 19th and 20th-century writers to this fascinating topic. Her book, Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them, chronicles the lives of 17 diverse authors, featuring delightful illustrations and historical insights. The selection process for the book involved a careful balance of male and female authors, geographical variety (Canada, USA, UK, New Zealand), and a mix of pedigree and ordinary domestic cats, ensuring a broad and engaging scope. The book spans from the 18th century with Dr. Johnson to contemporary living authors, demonstrating the enduring nature of this unique bond.

A Historical Tapestry of Feline Influence

The perception and treatment of cats have undergone a significant transformation over centuries, a shift intricately woven into the narratives of writers and their pets. From being regarded as "familiars of witches or even the devil" in the Middle Ages, often subjected to cruel treatment, cats gradually earned their place as cherished household members.

• Dr. Samuel Johnson and Hodge (18th Century): Dr. Samuel Johnson, the venerable lexicographer, stands out as an early champion of feline companionship. In 18th-century London, where cats were largely tolerated for rodent control rather than adored, Johnson’s affection for his cat, Hodge, was remarkable. Hodge, likely a street cat, found a home with Johnson during the creation of his monumental Dictionary of the English Language. Johnson’s dedication extended to personally purchasing oysters, then a food of the poor, for Hodge from a local seller. This act of kindness was particularly noteworthy given the prevailing attitudes towards animals. Today, a charming statue of Hodge, seated on a copy of Johnson’s dictionary with empty oyster shells nearby, graces Gough Square outside Dr. Johnson’s house in London, bearing the famous inscription: "A very fine cat indeed." This monument serves as a poignant reminder of Johnson’s pioneering affection for his feline friend.

• Edward Lear and Foss (19th Century): The renowned poet and artist Edward Lear found profound companionship in his cat, Foss. Originally named Aderphos, Foss became an inseparable part of Lear’s solitary life. Lear, who never married and suffered from epilepsy – a condition poorly understood and stigmatized in his time – relied heavily on Foss for emotional support. Foss, described as portly and striped with a distinctive half-tail (the story of which is detailed in Fullerton’s book), became a frequent subject of Lear’s whimsical drawings and caricatures. The depth of Lear’s devotion was evident in the elaborate tombstone and funeral he arranged for Foss, which reportedly surpassed the simplicity of his own funeral just two months later. Foss’s influence extended to Lear’s limericks and extensive correspondence, solidifying his status as one of literature’s most celebrated cats, even earning his own Wikipedia entry.

• Charles Dickens and Bob (19th Century): Charles Dickens, initially not considered a "cat man," eventually succumbed to feline charm through his daughter’s cat, Bob. Bob, a deaf cat, developed a unique method of seeking Dickens’s attention. If the author was too engrossed in reading or writing, Bob would gently snuff out the candle with his paw, plunging Dickens into darkness and compelling him to acknowledge his companion. This endearing behavior highlights how even the most resistant individuals can be won over by a cat’s distinct personality and clever demands for affection.

• L.M. Montgomery and Daffy (Late 19th/Early 20th Century): The Canadian author L.M. Montgomery, creator of Anne of Green Gables, harbored a deep affection for cats, often finding solace in their presence amidst a challenging life. Montgomery endured early parental loss, a strict upbringing, a difficult marriage marked by her husband’s severe depression, and protracted copyright battles. Her journals are replete with mentions of her cats, including tufts of fur and obituaries for those who passed, underscoring their therapeutic role. Her cat, Daffy, provided warmth and companionship during the genesis of her iconic orphan story. This profound connection is reflected in her literature, where heroines like Anne Shirley and Emily Starr share her love for felines. A memorable scene in Anne of Green Gables sees Gilbert Blythe offering Anne a cat along with his second marriage proposal, a gesture that famously secures her "yes."

• Dorothy L. Sayers and Blitz (20th Century): During World War II, the English crime writer Dorothy L. Sayers found her beloved ginger kitten, Blitz, in a bomb-damaged site in London. Living just outside London, Sayers adopted the kitten and named it in homage to its dramatic origins. Blitz lived to a venerable age of 15, enjoying a life that, despite wartime rationing, was filled with love. Sayers even penned a poignant poem, "War Cat," apologizing to Blitz for the scarcity of luxurious food during those austere times. Her compassion extended to fostering numerous cats for friends during the war, leading her to humorously describe her home as "Kittens Unlimited," often ensuring visitors departed with a new feline companion. Today, a statue of Dorothy L. Sayers in her village of Witham, Essex, fittingly includes Blitz twining around her ankles, a testament to their enduring bond.

• Ernest Hemingway (20th Century): Ernest Hemingway, a prolific American author, was a self-proclaimed "cataholic." At one point, his Cuban estate housed an astounding 54 cats, all of whose names he reportedly knew. His affection was particularly evident in his novel Islands in the Stream, where his beloved polydactyl cat, Boise, features prominently for 35 pages. Hemingway’s famous quote, "If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat," encapsulates his reverence for these animals.

• Doris Lessing and Il Magnifico (20th Century): Nobel laureate Doris Lessing’s experience with her cat, Il Magnifico, deeply informed her writing. When Il Magnifico faced the amputation of a front leg due to illness, Lessing chronicled his journey in the moving short story, "The Old Age of Il Magnifico." This work beautifully explores the challenges faced by a disabled cat and the profound emotional impact on its owner, showcasing a writer’s keen observation and empathetic response to animal welfare.

• Dame Muriel Spark and Bluebell (20th Century): The Scottish author Dame Muriel Spark was inspired by her Persian cat, Bluebell, who became comically entangled in a visitor’s fur coat. This amusing incident led Spark to compose the poem "Bluebell, the name of her cat amongst the sable," highlighting her greater concern for her cat’s enjoyment than the visitor’s expensive attire. This anecdote perfectly illustrates how everyday feline antics can spark creative inspiration for observant writers.

• Dame Lynley Dodd (Contemporary): The New Zealand author Dame Lynley Dodd, celebrated for her beloved children’s books such as Slinky Malinky and Hairy Maclary (though the latter features dogs), also finds inspiration in the animal kingdom, demonstrating the continued relevance of pets in contemporary literature, especially for younger audiences.

Evolving Cat Care and Societal Perceptions

Fullerton’s research for Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them also illuminated the significant advancements in cat care over the centuries. Historically, when a cat fell ill, owners like Robert Southey, whose cat was named Rumpelstiltskin (or Rumple for short), had limited options. The first formal veterinary training school was established in France in the 1700s, but specialized animal care remained inaccessible in many regions for a considerable time. The book chronicles the slow but steady spread of veterinary science and the gradual development of pet care products. The invention of kitty litter, for instance, marked a pivotal moment in domestic cat ownership, making indoor keeping far more feasible and hygienic.

The shift from viewing cats as mere utility animals (rat catchers) to cherished family members reflects broader societal changes in human-animal relationships. The decline of practices like drowning unwanted litters of kittens underscores a growing ethical consciousness towards animal welfare. This historical context enriches the understanding of the authors’ relationships with their cats, as their devotion often predated widespread societal acceptance of pets as integral family members.

The Author and the Research Process

Susannah Fullerton’s methodology for Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them involved extensive research to identify authors with sufficiently documented relationships with their cats. A notable example of a challenge was T.S. Eliot, who despite writing the famous Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats (which later inspired the musical Cats), lacked a singular, well-documented feline companion in his personal life that provided direct inspiration. Fullerton creatively addressed this by including Eliot in one of the book’s "little pawses" – pun-intended interstitial sections offering brief insights into other cat-loving literary figures.

The book, published by the esteemed Bodleian Library in Oxford, is celebrated for its beautiful production, featuring charming drawings that capture the essence of these literary cats, such as Dickens’s Bob snuffing out a candle. This high-quality presentation further enhances the reader’s experience, making it a delightful gift for "cataholics" and general readers alike.

Beyond the Pages: Broader Literary and Cultural Impact

The enduring appeal of cats in literature extends far beyond individual anecdotes. The cultural phenomenon of T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats and its subsequent adaptation into the globally successful musical Cats highlights the profound and widespread fascination with feline personalities. This fascination has only amplified in the digital age, with cats becoming ubiquitous figures in internet culture.

Fullerton’s work, therefore, does not merely chronicle historical curiosities but taps into a deeply resonant aspect of human experience: the joy and challenges of sharing one’s home with an animal. As she notes, even those who do not consider themselves "cat lovers" have found value in her book, appreciating the historical context, literary anecdotes, and the universal lessons about responsibility, protection, and companionship that pets impart, particularly to children.

Future Endeavors and Continued Engagement

Building on the success of Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them, Susannah Fullerton has announced an upcoming companion volume: Great Writers and the Dogs Who Love Them. This new project, also to be published by the Bodleian Library in 2028, will explore the equally rich history of writers and their canine companions, adopting a similar structure and approach. Fullerton, who has had both cats and dogs in her life, expresses enthusiasm for this new literary journey, acknowledging the distinct yet equally profound bond between humans and dogs.

Beyond her books, Fullerton actively engages with the literary community through her website and a free monthly newsletter, "Notes from a Book Addict," which offers book recommendations, poetry, and literary anniversaries. She also conducts literary tours around the world, inviting fellow book lovers to explore the lives and works of great authors in immersive settings. These initiatives reflect her dedication to sharing her passion for literature and fostering a deeper appreciation for the stories that shape our world, including those featuring our beloved animal companions. The podcast episode served as a compelling invitation to explore this fascinating intersection of literature, history, and the timeless bond between humans and their pets.