Literary Lives and Their Feline Companions: Unearthing the Muses Behind Great Writers

A recent deep dive into the unique bond between celebrated authors and their beloved cats, inspired by Susannah Fullerton’s acclaimed book "Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them," has illuminated the profound impact these furry muses have had on literary history. Presented in a recent episode of "The Pawsitive Post in Conversation," hosted by Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson, the discussion offered a rich tapestry of anecdotes, historical insights, and reflections on the evolving relationship between humans and felines, demonstrating how domestic pets have shaped some of the most enduring works of literature.

The Feline Muse: Unpacking a Unique Literary Bond

The conversation, featuring Fullerton, a distinguished literary historian and lecturer, explored the premise that cats and writers share an inherently special relationship. Fullerton, known for her expertise in 19th and 20th-century literature and her particular focus on Jane Austen, suggested that the quiet, independent nature of cats makes them ideal companions for authors engaged in the solitary pursuit of writing. Unlike dogs, cats do not demand walks or constant engagement, yet their presence offers warmth, companionship, and occasional, often humorous, interruptions. This dynamic, Fullerton posits, frequently translates into literary inspiration, manifesting in poems, novels, short stories, and personal letters.

The podcast hosts, Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson, shared their own experiences with feline "assistance" in their creative and professional lives. Kristi Benson recounted how her cat, Apricat, serves as a "lap warmer" and assistant during computer work, while Zazie Todd described her cat, Melina, as a unique "editor" who gently "wraps knuckles" to signal the end of a writing session. These personal anecdotes underscored the universal experience of pet ownership, echoing the sentiments expressed by the historical figures featured in Fullerton’s research.

Susannah Fullerton: A Life Dedicated to Literature

Susannah Fullerton’s credentials as a literary historian are extensive. Based in Sydney, she is renowned for her ability to bring to life the worlds of great writers through fascinating talks and literary tours across the globe. Her dedication to literature was formally recognized in 2017 when she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for services to literature, a testament to her significant contributions to the field. "Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them," published by the Bodleian Library, is described as a "delightful book" that chronicles the lives of 17 different authors and their feline companions, adorned with charming illustrations that further enhance its appeal.

Fullerton explained the meticulous process behind selecting the writers and cats for her book. The primary criterion was the availability of sufficient information detailing a specific cat’s inspirational role in an author’s life. This led to challenging decisions, such as including T.S. Eliot – famed for his cat poems that later became the musical "Cats" – in a "little pawses" section rather than a full chapter, due to the difficulty in identifying a single, profoundly influential cat in his personal life. Her selection also prioritized variety, encompassing male and female authors, a diverse range of nationalities (including Canadian, American, British, and New Zealander), and both pedigree and ordinary domestic cats, spanning from the 18th century to contemporary writers.

A Historical Purr-spective: Cats Through the Ages

One of the most compelling aspects of Fullerton’s research, highlighted during the podcast, is the evolution of cat care and societal attitudes towards felines over centuries. In 18th-century London, for instance, cats were often viewed with suspicion, associated with witchcraft or considered mere vermin controllers. Their status as cherished household pets was rare, making figures like Dr. Samuel Johnson pioneers in their affection for cats.

The absence of formalized veterinary care until the establishment of the first vet training school in France in the 1700s, and its slow dissemination across Europe and Britain, meant that authors like Robert Southey faced considerable challenges when their beloved cats, such as Rumpelstiltskin, fell ill. The discussion touched upon the historical progression of feline welfare, from the once-common and "awful" practice of drowning litters of kittens to the eventual invention of cat litter and the emergence of specialized pet care books. This chronological overview underscores a gradual shift in human perception, recognizing cats not merely for their utility but for their profound companionship.

Iconic Feline Companions and Their Literary Legacies

Fullerton’s book brings to life numerous iconic literary cats, each with a unique story:

• Hodge (Dr. Samuel Johnson): Dr. Johnson’s 18th-century cat, Hodge, is a testament to early human-feline affection. Johnson, a towering figure in English letters, was known to personally buy oysters for Hodge – a luxury for a cat at a time when oysters were considered food for the poor. A charming statue of Hodge, depicting him atop a copy of Johnson’s dictionary with empty oyster shells nearby, stands outside Dr. Johnson’s House in Gough Square, London, bearing the famous inscription: "A very fine cat indeed." This statue serves as a lasting tribute to a cat who defied the harsh societal norms of his era.

• Daffy (L.M. Montgomery): The Canadian author of "Anne of Green Gables," L.M. Montgomery, found solace and inspiration in her cats, particularly Daffy. Montgomery’s life was marked by personal tragedies and struggles, including early parental loss, a challenging marriage, and copyright battles. Cats, she confessed in her journals, provided essential "therapy." Daffy, present during the writing of "Anne of Green Gables," offered warmth and companionship during cold Canadian mornings. Montgomery’s deep affection for cats is reflected in her literature, where heroines like Anne Shirley and Emily Starr share this love, notably when Gilbert Blythe offers Anne a cat alongside his marriage proposal.

• Foss (Edward Lear): Edward Lear, celebrated for his limericks and as a talented artist, found profound companionship in his cat, Foss. Originally named Aderphos, Foss, who was portly and had half a tail (the reason detailed in Fullerton’s book), became a constant presence in Lear’s life and art. Lear, a lonely man who suffered from epilepsy, found in Foss a loyal friend. His numerous caricatures and drawings of Foss, often depicting the cat’s distinctive features, attest to his devotion. Lear’s grief upon Foss’s death was immense, leading him to provide a more elaborate funeral and tombstone for his cat than for himself, just two months later. Foss’s enduring legacy is even recognized with his own Wikipedia entry.

• Blitz (Dorothy L. Sayers): The acclaimed detective novelist Dorothy L. Sayers rescued a tiny ginger kitten from a bomb site in London during World War II, aptly naming him Blitz. Living in a time of rationing, Sayers even penned a poem, "War Cat," apologizing to Blitz for the scarcity of food. Blitz lived to a ripe old age of 15, becoming a cherished companion. Sayers’ home in Whitham, Essex, where a statue of her includes Blitz twining around her ankles, famously became "Kittens Unlimited" during the war, as she fostered numerous cats for friends and tirelessly sought homes for the resulting litters.

• Bob (Charles Dickens): Though not initially a "cat man," Charles Dickens was eventually won over by Bob, a deaf cat acquired by his daughter. Bob developed a unique method of gaining Dickens’ attention: if the author was engrossed in reading or writing, Bob would snuff out the candle with his paw, plunging Dickens into darkness and necessitating a pause for feline interaction. This charming anecdote illustrates the subtle yet powerful ways cats integrate themselves into human routines.

• Il Magnifico (Doris Lessing): Nobel laureate Doris Lessing’s beautiful cat, Il Magnifico, inspired a deeply moving short story, "The Old Age of Il Magnifico." When Il Magnifico required a leg amputation, Lessing meticulously observed and chronicled his struggles to adapt to life with a disability, offering a poignant exploration of resilience and the human-animal bond.

• Boise (Ernest Hemingway): Ernest Hemingway, a self-proclaimed "cataholic," famously kept up to 54 cats on his Cuban property, knowing each by name. His profound affection for cats is evident in his novel "Islands in the Stream," where his cat Boise features prominently for 35 pages. Hemingway’s sentiment, "If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat," perfectly encapsulates his reverence for felines.

The Author’s Journey and Research Insights

Fullerton’s methodology for "Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them" involved extensive archival research to uncover the nuances of these historical relationships. The inclusion of "little pawses" – short interstitial sections – allowed her to share intriguing tidbits that didn’t warrant a full chapter but offered valuable context, such as the origin of the term "Spanish cats" for tortoiseshells, or the historical timeline of veterinary care and pet products like kitty litter. This dedication to historical detail enriches the narrative, offering readers a comprehensive understanding of how cat ownership has evolved culturally and practically.

Beyond the Feline: A Canine Companion for Writers

Building on the success of her cat-centric book, Susannah Fullerton revealed exciting news for dog enthusiasts. The Bodleian Library has commissioned her next work, "Great Writers and the Dogs Who Loved Them," slated for publication in 2028. This upcoming book will explore similar themes of companionship and inspiration, focusing on the unique bond between authors and their canine friends. Fullerton, who has owned both dogs and cats, expressed her enthusiasm for delving into the world of literary dogs, noting the distinct dynamic where "cats own you; dogs love you."

Broader Implications: The Enduring Appeal of Literary Pets

The enduring appeal of books like Fullerton’s lies in their ability to humanize literary giants and offer a unique lens through which to understand their lives and creative processes. By focusing on their relationships with pets, readers gain insights into the authors’ compassion, routines, and sources of emotional support. This approach resonates not only with "cataholics" but also with a broader audience interested in history, literature, and the universal joys and challenges of sharing one’s home with an animal. The narratives highlight the therapeutic role pets play, fostering responsibility in children and providing comfort in times of adversity.

Availability and Further Engagement

"Great Writers and the Cats Who Owned Them" is available through major booksellers. Susannah Fullerton actively engages with her audience through her website, which offers details on her literary tours to destinations like Spain and England, and a free monthly newsletter titled "Notes from a Book Addict." The newsletter provides book recommendations, celebrates literary anniversaries, and features poetry, serving as a vibrant community hub for book lovers. Additionally, recorded illustrated lectures on various literary topics are available for purchase, further extending Fullerton’s mission to share her passion for books with a global audience. The podcast hosts highly recommended the book for its delightful stories and beautiful production quality, praising its elegant cover and charming illustrations.

The episode concluded with a shout-out to listeners in Perth, Western Australia, and an invitation for audience engagement, encouraging them to share their favorite books and the role their own cats play in their reading lives. This interactive element underscores the communal joy found in literature and shared experiences with beloved pets, cementing the idea that the bond between humans and their animal companions continues to inspire and enrich lives, both literary and otherwise.