Not Miserable: Celebrating ‘Cat Ladies’ from Mary Pickford to Taylor Swift
Gloria Steinem, Taylor Swift, and Gigi Hadid are just a few of the many notable figures throughout history who have cherished their feline companions, reflecting their admiration for the independence and sophistication of cats. From silent film stars to contemporary pop icons, the love for cats has transcended generations and continues to resonate today.
Gloria Steinem has owned several cats over the years and has often expressed her admiration for their independence. “Cats don’t let you touch them. Cats tell you what they’re going to do, and that’s that,” she remarked, highlighting the autonomous spirit of these animals.
Taylor Swift is known for her fondness for cats, owning three, including Scottish folds Meredith Grey and Olivia Benson. Her ragdoll cat, Benjamin Button, even featured on the cover of Time magazine when Swift was named Person of the Year in 2023. Despite public criticism of her dating history, Swift embraces her “cat lady” reputation, stating, “I’m going to go hang out with my friends and then I go home to the cats.”
Gigi Hadid’s kitten Cleo has an extraordinary backstory, having been rescued from a car engine before becoming a frequent companion on outings with Joe Jonas. This tale of rescue and companionship underscores the deep bonds formed between humans and their feline friends.
Eartha Kitt, famous for playing Catwoman in the final season of the Batman television series in 1967, famously quipped, “Believe me, baby, this pussy cat knows how to scratch and bite.” Her portrayal of Catwoman remains iconic, reflecting the fierce independence often associated with cats.
Mary Pickford, a silent-film superstar, had a well-documented affection for her pet cat, leading to frequent disputes with co-founder Charlie Chaplin. According to biographer Eileen Whitfield, “Mary would often phone Chaplin, demanding the wandering pet’s return.”
Jean-Baptiste Perronneau, an 18th-century French artist, frequently included feline companions in his portraits to emphasize the refinement and sophistication of his subjects. His portrait of Magdaleine Pinceloup de la Grange with a Chartreux cat remains particularly notable.
Sarah Jessica Parker also shares her life with multiple cats. She took home a cat named Lotus from a film set, increasing the number of cats in her family to three. This mirrors her character Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, who ultimately embraced her destiny as a “childless cat lady” in her mid-50s.
The bond between Ellen Ripley and Jones the ginger tomcat in the film Alien underscores another dimension of human-feline relationships. As sole survivors of their encounter with a xenomorph, their alliance highlights themes of survival and companionship.
Edith Bouvier Beale, also known as Little Edie, was another “childless cat lady” living with her mother and numerous cats in a dilapidated estate. Her life story adds to the rich tapestry of individuals who have found solace and companionship in their feline friends.
In catclusion, from historical figures like Mary Pickford and Jean-Baptiste Perronneau to modern icons like Taylor Swift and Gigi Hadid, cats have been cherished companions throughout history. Their independence, sophistication, and unique personalities continue to captivate and inspire their human counterparts.
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