Life and Times of Mark Twain
Born on November 30th in 1835, Samuel Langhorne Clemens was an American Author, lecturer, and humorist much better known by his pen name of Mark Twain. To many, he is considered one of the most influential authors of that American Generation and remained popular till the end of his life. His lifelong obsession with cats left many wondering as to why he liked cats so much and what he thinks of them – which is exactly what this article shall be discussing today, looking at What did Mark Twain say about cats.
Mark Twain’s love for felines
Typically known for his many tales intertwining humanity and humor, his approach to cats seemed to be of a different breed. One could imagine from his works that he was indeed a lover of cats and adored their company almost as if they were part of his family. Even a simple search on his thoughts about cats leaves us surprised.
From advice on training cats, to specific instructions on how to feed them, his ideas about cats might have been rather unique for his time, but today are in line with some of the more experienced cat owners and veterinarians.
His stories about cats can only be described as loving and he speaks of cats in a way that shows he truly cherished their presence.
Mark Twain’s Quotes about cats
When it comes to life and cats, Twain also wrote many quotes extolling the virtues of being owned by a cat. Self-proclaimed by him to be the head of a household with two cats, Twain wrote “A home without a cat–and a well-fed, well-petted and properly revered cat–may be a perfect home, perhaps, but how can it prove its title?”, a quote that endeared him even more to the public.
From his own favorite cat, a cat named Bambino, Twain wrote, “No happenings of any real importance, but to Bambino and me the affairs of the world do not greatly matter.”, while another great quote regarding cats befitting Twain perfectly is, “Cats are a mysterious kind of folk. There is more passing in their minds than we are aware of.”
The Influence of Mark Twain on cats and how we view them
Despite having been born in a different era, Mark Twain is credited by many, even today, for systematically bringing cats closer to the human family and even done more for cats than for the ones who adore them. In the many articles he wrote about them, to the inspiring books, one thing remains constant; the love for cats and the understanding he has for them.
Having drawn upon the unique point of view of politics and cats, Twain’s writing style has influenced many when it comes to understanding and appreciating cats for what they can bring to people’s lives. Glimpses of his work can still be seen today in people’s homes and in their behavior towards cats.
Mark Twain’s Insight Into felines
Mark Twain was one of those rare authors who wrote about cats in an exquisitely similar way to how people today talk about them. His views and thoughts on the furry creatures are mirrored by many of today’s cat parents, much of which can be seen by the way they interact with their cats or in the way they talk about them.
In many ways, he has been credited with understanding cats even better than fellow humans. His works, especially on cats, have influenced many by providing a sort of window into the mind of a cat. Twain’s insights into a cat’s behavior show his perspective on the psychology of cats and their unique personalities,which is something that many have seen today in their own cats.
How His View On Cats Aligned With Animal Rights Advocates
The way Twain wrote about cats extends beyond relating their personalities to us. His works were ahead of the times with the amount of animal rights advocacy they contained. He spoke at length of how cats were no longer seen as wild animals and that they deserved a level of respect and treatment similar to that of humans. He talked of their stronger connection to people, and being apart from the stigma of wild cats which he himself was trying to dispell at that time.
To this day, his views and advocacy for cats have been continued by animal rights organizations. His works, have captivated us for over a hundred years and have gone a long way in helping promote the respect for cats and all animals, as well as a better understanding of the feline creatures that we humans share our home with.
Empathy and Sympathy For Cats
Twain often wrote of his sympathies with cats, often remarking that cats were treated as second class citizens in American Society and beyond. He wrote of them as though they were part of the family, and that they were just as important in the home as anyone else. He spoke of how they were granted a certain level of freedom and the ability to express themselves and explore their surroundings, much like humans.
The way Twain wrote about cats gave them a level of understanding and appreciation that had not been seen before him. His empathy and sympathy for them have, in many ways, been an inspiration to many cat-lovers worldwide and have allowed for many of us to feel a deeper connection with our feline friends.
Conclusion
Mark Twain is one of the most celebrated authors of all time, whose works continue to resonate with the public today, even more so when it comes to cats. His works on cats still provoke feelings of respect and admiration in many, highlighting the unique point of view he had on cats. Twain’s works may have been written more than a hundred years ago, but continue to remain relevant and touching to this day.
