The Cat Lady Challenge

Take me on. Go ahead.

I challenge anyone who does not believe that art imitates life, and, often, vice versa. See what I mean?

Here is a page from the U.S. edition of Vogue, in which a fashionable Cat Lady was photographed recently by Raymond Meier for a feature titled the “Cat’s Meow.” And, a loud meow, please: Here is the cover design for my forthcoming book, Cat Lady Chronicles, published by Officina Libraria and distributed by the Antique Collectors' Club. The work reproduced is from the collections of my employer, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. Cat Prowling Around a Staked Tomato Plant was created by Japanese artist Takahashi Shotei in about 1932.

My book is due in brick-and-mortar as well as virtual stores this fall, with the official publication date confirmed for September 16. I am eager to share with you, fellow Cat Ladies (and Gentlemen), my feel-good story about the fascinating human-animal bond (x ten). I am very pleased to be donating a percent of proceeds to cat-welfare causes.

Query of the Day: Will you “like” me and preorder my book? I will be very grateful!http://issuu.com/accpublishinggroup/docs/usa_fall_catalog_2012?mode=a_p

Mani-Pedi or a Pawdicure?

I just learned from reading today’s New York Times about another forthcoming book that is required reading: Zoobiquity: What Animals Can Teach Us About Health and the Science of Healing, by Barbara Natterson-Horowitz and Kathryn Bowers.


I think non-scientifically about this subject often. In fact, I came across an artwork recently that reinforces one of the authors’ many enlightening theses:


“Grooming represents a hard-wired drive, one that’s evolved over millions of years with the positive benefits of keeping us clean and binding us socially.”


Did you know that cats have long subscribed to a favorite girly-girl, super-grooming indulgence: pedicures? The image from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (at right), Popular Hotspring Spa for Cats, by the 19th-century Japanese artist Utagawa Kunitoshi, puts a fine point on the shared animal-human appreciation for, shall we say, a polished form of cleanliness.


Query of the Day: Do your cats like to have pawdicures?

Ring around the Kitty

The old-fashioned etiquette books always agree: It's best to keep your laundered linen napkin folded neatly on your lap.


But what happens when your cat jumps on your lap, possibly displacing the napkin? Maybe the cat needs to go inside the napkin...ring? See Exhibit A, a handsome Victorian example. 

Query of the Day: Do you collect cat napkin rings?

Wartime Truce

I never thought I would see the day that Lucius would extend an olive branch to Alvar. Because timing is everything to Lucius, he could not have picked a better moment.

This Memorial Day, as we reflect on reconciliation and on honoring those who gave their lives in service to our nation, I am doubly celebrating. Lucius and Alvar are reclining beside each other, getting some sun in a window that overlooks our neighbor's backyard. I promise to document this unimagined "coming together," so stay tuned.

Meanwhile, hope you are enjoying a peaceful holiday weekend with family, friends, and furry kids.

Query of the Day: What is the longest stare-down you have endured among warring cats?

Is Lucius on Pinterest?

I ask because, I found this image pinned above Lucius’s litter box. I think he is trying to send me a not-so-subliminal message:

Guess who wishes you looked like this Cat Lady?

Query of the Day: Am I entitled to dream?

Instacat!

Oh, If only I had the moxie and the money of Mark Zuckerberg. What would I do immediately, you might ask? I would sell my fantasy company Instacat to Facebook’s founder. And, like the creators behind the photo-sharing start-up Instagram, I would ask $1 billion for it. Instacat is every cat lover’s dream. I could upload a photo of myself with a brief, 15-word description, e.g., “Petite, late-middle-age brunette Cat Lady seeks a brown tabby to love and adore.” On the other side of the equation, a Cat Lady would respond with the instamessage: “Got one!” I haven’t figured out all the details yet, so please share your ideas with me. We Cat Ladies know that we are into enabling one another—via old-fashioned correspondence or apps, smartphones or websites, you name it—all on behalf of our beloved felines. Query of the Day: Will you participate in my Instacat IPO?

I Did It Again!

I have omitted the “Oops!” from the title of this post because I do not feel apologetic, and I would never want anyone to confuse me with Britney Spears (as if I am in danger of mistaken identity…).

I did it again can mean only one thing: I found a home for a cat in need. When my friend and colleague Marty casually mentioned that her sister Terry was missing having a cat in the house, I told Marty that I knew of a cat who wanted a home. In fact, Mordecai, a black cat living at Dr. O.’s clinic, had longed for a home his entire life. He had lived on the streets for four years and was rescued by Dr. O. two years ago. This handsome six-year-old cat was ready for some serious cohabitation with Marty and Terry. The Cat Lady prod (as opposed to the cattle prod) worked quickly and gently. Marty reports that Mordecai loves his new surroundings, and that she and Terry are in love with their new furry friend. He is not a lap cat—yet—but all signs indicate he will be heading in that direction any moment now. Never forget the Cat Lady’s tried-and-true formula: One person saving one cat makes a difference. Query of the Day: Do you like black cats as much as I do?