Literary Cats: Unveiling the Feline Musings Behind Great Writers

A recent episode of The Pawsitive Post in Conversation podcast explored the profound and often overlooked relationship between renowned literary figures and their feline companions, drawing insights from Susannah Fullerton, author of the acclaimed book Great Writers and the Cats who Owned Them. The discussion, hosted by Zazie Todd and Kristi Benson, delved into the lives of cats like Hodge, Daffy, Blitz, and Foss, revealing how these animals not only offered solace and companionship but also became muses for some of the world’s most enduring literary works.

The podcast episode, number 66, highlighted Fullerton’s extensive research, which spans centuries of literary history, from the 18th-century wit of Samuel Johnson to contemporary authors. Fullerton, a distinguished literary historian and lecturer, brings to life the often-quirky and deeply affectionate bonds shared between writers and their pets, offering a fresh perspective on their creative processes and personal lives. Her book, featuring delightful illustrations, has been praised for its engaging anecdotes and its comprehensive look at how cat care and human-feline relationships have evolved over time.

The Enduring Bond Between Writers and Cats

The central premise of Fullerton’s work, and the podcast discussion, is the unique affinity between writers and cats. As Zazie Todd posed the question, "Do you think cats and writers have a special relationship?" Fullerton unequivocally affirmed this, noting that "cats are very quiet." This characteristic makes them ideal companions for the solitary endeavor of writing. Unlike dogs, cats do not demand walks or constant attention, offering a presence that is comforting without being distracting. However, they are not entirely passive. Fullerton recounted instances where cats might "rouse a sleepy author from their beds in the morning to persuade them to get up, mainly to feed the cat, but then, of course, to get on with writing."

This delicate balance of companionship and independence resonates deeply with the creative temperament. Writers, often immersed in their own worlds, find in cats a non-judgmental observer, a source of quiet warmth, and an occasional, charming disruption. Kristi Benson’s own cat, Apricat, exemplifies this, "warming her lap" as she works, while Zazie Todd’s cat, Melina, has a unique way of signaling the end of the workday by "wrapp[ing] my knuckles while I’m typing," albeit "luckily, no claws." These personal anecdotes from the hosts underscore the universal nature of the writer-cat dynamic, echoing the experiences of literary giants.

Fullerton’s book explores how this unique relationship often translates into literary inspiration, manifesting in poems, novels, short stories, and even personal letters. The author’s aim was to demonstrate "how one particular cat in the life of the author, had inspired poems, novels, short stories, letters, whatever it might be." This includes not only direct portrayals but also the subtle influences that shape an author’s worldview and creative output.

A Panorama of Literary Felines and Their Human Companions

Fullerton’s selection of authors and cats for her book was driven by a desire for variety, encompassing male and female writers, diverse nationalities (Canada, America, UK, New Zealand), and a mix of pedigree cats and "ordinary tabbies or moggies." The historical scope is equally broad, beginning with Dr. Johnson in the 18th century and extending to a living author, ensuring a contemporary relevance.

One of the most celebrated literary cats is Hodge, the beloved companion of Dr. Samuel Johnson. In 18th-century London, cats were often viewed with suspicion, remnants of medieval superstitions linking them to witches and the devil. They were more tolerated for their utility in rodent control than cherished as pets. Dr. Johnson, however, defied this norm. Hodge, likely a street cat, found a benevolent owner in Johnson, who famously purchased oysters for his feline friend – a luxury at the time, given oysters were then considered the food of the poor. Johnson’s affection for Hodge was immortalized in a quote, "A very fine cat indeed," which is inscribed on a charming statue of Hodge outside Dr. Johnson’s House in Gough Square, London. The statue, depicting Hodge on a copy of Johnson’s dictionary with empty oyster shells nearby, stands as a testament to this pioneering human-feline bond.

Another significant feline is Daffy, the cat of Canadian author L.M. Montgomery, known for her "Anne of Green Gables" series. Daffy provided crucial companionship during the cold Canadian mornings as Montgomery penned her iconic stories. Montgomery’s deep affection for cats is evident in her personal journals, which contain "little tufts of cat fur" and "obituaries for the cats that died." Cats, for Montgomery, served as a form of therapy, helping her navigate a challenging life marked by early parental loss, a difficult marriage, and copyright battles. This therapeutic role is subtly reflected in her heroines, Anne Shirley and Emily Starr, who share her love for cats. The famous scene where Gilbert Blythe’s second proposal to Anne includes the offer of a cat underscores the profound symbolic value of felines in Montgomery’s literary world.

The turbulent backdrop of World War II introduces Blitz, Dorothy L. Sayers’ ginger kitten, found in a bomb site during the London Blitz. Sayers, a celebrated crime writer, named the cat in homage to its origins. Blitz lived a long life of 15 years, a testament to Sayers’ care during a time of severe rationing. Sayers even wrote a poignant poem, "War Cat," apologizing to Blitz for the scarcity of food. Her home in Whitham, Essex, became a haven for cats during the war, leading her to humorously dub her operation "Kittens Unlimited," as she found homes for numerous felines. A statue of Dorothy L. Sayers in Whitham features Blitz at her ankles, a lasting tribute to their bond.

Perhaps one of the most vividly documented relationships is that between Edward Lear and his cat, Foss. Originally named Aderphos, Foss was a "rather portly and striped" cat, missing half a tail (the reason for which is detailed in Fullerton’s book). Lear, a renowned artist and writer of limericks, was a solitary man who suffered from epilepsy. Foss provided immense companionship, inspiring countless drawings, caricatures, and references in Lear’s letters. Their bond was so profound that Lear died just two months after Foss, having given his beloved cat an "elaborate tombstone and funeral, far more elaborate than his own." Foss even has his own Wikipedia entry, a testament to his unique place in literary history.

Other notable felines include Bob, the deaf cat of Charles Dickens, who would famously "snuff the candle" with his paw to gain Dickens’ attention when the author was engrossed in reading or writing. Though initially not a "cat man," Dickens was ultimately won over by Bob’s clever antics. Ernest Hemingway, a self-proclaimed "cataholic," kept as many as 54 cats at his Cuban property, knowing each by name. His cat, Boise, even featured for 35 pages in his novel Islands in the Stream. Doris Lessing’s beautiful cat, Il Magnifico, who tragically lost a leg, inspired her moving short story The Old Age of Il Magnifico, highlighting the profound empathy writers develop for their animal companions. Muriel Spark’s Persian cat, Bluebell, entangled in a visitor’s fur coat, prompted the poem "Bluebell Among the Sable," showcasing the playful side of feline inspiration. Robert Southey’s cat, Rumpelstiltskin (or "Rumple"), and Mark Twain’s Bambino, for whom Twain offered a $5 reward when he went missing, further illustrate the deep emotional connections shared. Twain famously quipped, "If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat," a perfect encapsulation of his reverence for felines.

The Evolution of Cat Care and Societal Perceptions

Fullerton’s research extends beyond individual anecdotes to trace the broader historical arc of cat care. She highlights the significant shifts in how cats have been perceived and treated, evolving from mere utility animals to cherished family members. The 18th century, as seen with Dr. Johnson, marked a nascent stage in this transformation. Before the widespread availability of veterinary care, dealing with a sick cat, like Robert Southey’s Rumpelstiltskin, was a significant challenge. Fullerton noted the establishment of the first vet training school in France in the 1700s, but acknowledged the slow spread of such services to remoter regions.

The book also delves into the practical aspects of pet care, such as the invention of "kitty litter," and the historical development of literature on animal care. This historical lens reveals that while "cats have not always been well treated," with practices like "drowning litters of kittens" being common, there has been a steady "improvement over the centuries." This progression reflects a growing understanding and appreciation of animal welfare, moving towards a more compassionate relationship between humans and their pets. The personal experiences shared by Kristi Benson, recounting the arduous 14-hour drive to the nearest vet in the Western Canadian Arctic, underscore the relative modernity and privilege of readily accessible veterinary care today.

Beyond the Page: Broader Implications and Future Endeavors

The discussion emphasized that the book appeals not only to "cataholics" but also to a broader audience interested in history, literature, and the human-animal bond. Fullerton noted that "people who don’t like cats at all say how much they’ve enjoyed the book because they’ve just learned about the challenges and the joys of sharing one’s home with an animal." The lessons learned from pet ownership – responsibility, protection, and care – are universal, contributing to the development of empathy and nurturing qualities, especially in children.

Susannah Fullerton’s commitment to exploring the animal-human connection in literature continues. Following the success of Great Writers and the Cats who Owned Them, published beautifully by the Bodleian Library in Oxford, she has secured a contract for a companion volume: Great Writers and the Dogs who Loved Them. This upcoming book, slated for publication in 2028, will apply the same insightful lens to the world of canine companions, promising another treasure trove of literary anecdotes and historical context. Fullerton, who has had both dogs and cats, confessed to being "a little bit more of a cat person than a dog person," yet expressed immense enjoyment in her current research into the lives of literary dogs.

Beyond her books, Fullerton remains an active figure in the literary world, offering literary tours to destinations like Spain and England, and disseminating her passion through a free monthly newsletter, "Notes from a Book Addict," which provides book recommendations, poems, and literary anniversaries. Her illustrated lectures, available for purchase online, further extend her reach, sharing her vast knowledge of 19th and 20th-century writers, with a special emphasis on Jane Austen.

The podcast conversation with Susannah Fullerton not only celebrates the profound influence of cats on great writers but also serves as a reminder of the evolving and increasingly cherished role pets play in human lives. From being practical rodent controllers to becoming integral parts of our emotional and creative landscapes, cats, as documented by Fullerton, have undeniably left an indelible paw print on the pages of literary history. The detailed accounts of feline companions illuminate the private worlds of authors, revealing the quiet inspirations and comforting presences that often shaped their most celebrated works.