The Library Loft

"It is a very inconvenient habit of kittens," (Alice once remarked), "That whatever you say to them, they always purr."

Lewis Carroll was an avowed cat-lover, and his Alice books reflect this by their frequent references to felines. His immortal Cheshire cat is recognized the world around by its grin.

"The cat is a dilletante in fur." - Théophile Gautier.

Known as the saint who staunchly defended the legal rights of the poor, St. Ives is often either depicted with a cat or as a cat.

"Those who'll play with cats must expect to be scratched."
- Miguel Cervantes

Another literary ailurophile was Charles Dickens. A small white cat named William joined his household and surprised everyone by producing a litter of kittens. The re-named Williamina and her brood were determined to nest in Dicken's study. One little kitten in particular loved to climb up on the writing desk and learned to tap out the candle with its paw. This would always put an end to any authoring sessions, the kitty was rewarded with a well-deserved cuddle.

For extreme devotion to felines, however, the prize must go to Edward Lear, a nineteenth century British humorist and poet famous for his nonsense verses. When he moved to a new home, he had the architect duplicate his old home exactly so his cat Foss whould not be confused.

"With the qualities of cleanliness, discretion, affection, dignity, and courage that cats have, how many of us, I ask you, would be capable of being cats?"
- Fernand Mery

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