Kitties and Readers Unite!

Is it just me or do a lot of people who have a fetish with books, also happen to have cats and some people have A LOT OF CATS! My aunt reads all the time and she has two cats.  My sister-in-law also reads, is in a book club and has two cats. I have two cats, too, and in all honesty I would have more if a certain someone in my household would let me. Partnership is all about setting boundaries for each other.  Right?

When I picture in my mind a person who is really content and just relaxing in their home, that image almost always consists of books and cats. I will readily admit that for some reason that image may include a slightly plain spinsterish type lady who lives alone, but, hey, I’m not putting myself in that category. There are many authors out there who have used that imagery in their novels, so I’m not alone in my thinking.  For example, Diane Setterfield did in The Thirteenth Tale with the character of Margaret Lea and her black cat.

I also prefer my cats over my dog.  Sorry, Chubbs.  I love Chubbs.  He has the cutest face and he is always ready to greet me at the door with affection.  But my cats, Dante and Little Miss, require so little from me.  I can read in bed and they lay at the bottom of the bed.  Chubbs licks my face so I’ll pay attention to him.  While watching TV, Dante snuggles into the couch with me.  Chubbs barks at the door to be let out.  Chubbs demands exercise!  My cats could live without it.  Maybe, I just have more in common with the cats?

I do know that throughout my life, I’ve usually had a cat and a book by my side and they both have been great companions.

Some Cats in My Family:

Do you have cats?  If so, how many?  Why do you think readers have cats?