“I like cats,” wrote Mark Twain in one of his novels. There is no doubt he was an admirer of cats, and he certainly seemed to appreciate their presence in his life. But did he ‘like,’ in the true sense of the word, cats?
Considering the fact that Twain had many cats himself, it is plausible to conclude that he must have had some sort of liking for cats. He was also known to take a keen interest in the behavior and activities of his pets, giving them names and learning their personality. Twain also wrote several letters to various family members where he talked about his cats and their habits.
The question of how much Twain liked cats is, however, a complicated one. While he appeared to be genuinely fond of his pets, some of his writings and anecdotes from other people who knew him suggest that he may not have been quite so emotionally attached to cats as some might assume. His biographer Albert Bigelow Paine described Twain as a very “perfunctory” cat-owner, who managed the cats as expertly as he handled his other animals.
Another interesting point to consider is that Twain’s fondness for cats is clearly visible in his fictional writings. Most notably, in his novel, “The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer”, the character of Tom Sawyer is often seen interacting and playing with cats. Twain also includes cats in some of his other works, showing that he had a deep understanding of the animal and the relationships between them. It is also worth noting that he never wrote any derogatory depictions of cats.
A number of experts have also suggested that Twain’s admiration for cats was more than just superficial. For example, Twain scholar Andrew Levy has pointed out that Twain “consistently saw cats as something special—more playful than his other pets, and capable of providing him with ‘beautiful and wonderful’ moments. Levy also adds that Twain described the relationship between himself and cats as one of mutual affection, allowing for glimpses into his innermost feelings for the animal.
Cats in Twain’s Writings
Twain’s works are full of cats, with each one having its own individual quirks and traits. He often chose to write about cats in a humorous manner, often depicting human qualities in them. In “The Beautiful Cigar Girl,” for example, he portrays a cat as a jealous being who despises the attention its owner pays to a cigar girl. This is a prime example of Twain’s ability to recreate the unique personalities of cats through his writing.
Twain also wrote several poems and plays featuring cats. One of the most famous ones is a poem called “My Cat” that was published in 1870. This is an uplifting poem in which a young boy expresses his admiration for cats. He describes cats as free and independent, showing Twain’s own appreciation for the animal. Twain’s cat-oriented works also demonstrate his skill in expressing love and understanding for animals in general.
Twain’s Relationship With His Own Cats
A number of anecdotes suggest Twain had a specific fondness for his own cats. For example, his daughter recounted the time when Twain was away and sent a letter home with a heartfelt apology to his cats, saying: “Tell the cats I regret very much having had to go away and leave them.” Such accounts show that Twain may have had a genuine affection for his cats.
Twain also wrote several articles and essays on cats. One of the most memorable ones is an essay titled “Cats and Dogs,” which was written in 1872. In this essay, Twain expressed his love of cats and showed his admiration for their independence and ability to take care of themselves. He also praised cats for their “intelligence, cleanliness, and loyalty.” Such writings indicate the depth of Twain’s feelings for cats.
Influence of Cats on Twain’s Writings
Cats had a direct influence on Twain’s writings in many ways. For example, in “The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer,” Twain often used cats as a device for humor. He often used cats to add light-heartedness to the story and provided much-needed comic relief in some tense moments. Cats also often found their way into the plot of Twain’s stories, providing a unique and varied dynamic that would have been absent without them.
Aside from adding comic relief to his stories, Twain also used cats to make important points in his works. By making cats the central characters in stories, Twain enabled readers to identify with them, making his views on various matters clearer. For instance, in “The Cat That Walked By Itself,” he used cats to display the idea of independence and autonomy. This demonstrates the extent to which cats were influential in Twain’s works.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it’s clear that Twain had a genuine admiration for cats, and although the extent to which he liked cats is difficult to measure, it’s evident that they played an important role in his life and writings. He used cats to add humor to his stories and make important points, displaying his understanding of the psychology of cats and their independent nature. Twain’s fondness for cats manifested itself in his own life as well, as evidenced by the many anecdotes about his relationship with his cats. All in all, Twain’s love for cats is evident in his works and his life, proving that indeed, he did like cats.
