The Ancient Mystery Between Cats and Books
Not all cat lovers like books, and not all book lovers like cats. But, one thing we’re certain is true: there are a special group of people out there who absolutely love both cats and books.
Cats have frequented libraries for centuries, initially to keep rodents and snakes away from precious papyrus scrolls in ancient Egypt. While their primary roles these days include creating a relaxing environment and inspiring literacy in visiting patrons, the power of library and bookstore cats prevails.
A Quiet Species
There are those that might not agree, but many people find that a shared feline is a valuable asset. They undoubtedly make a reading room more cozy, and children find endless joy in an animal who lives among the stacks. Also, it’s been found that some elderly patrons seek the company of a library or bookstore cat because living situations don’t always accommodate pet ownership.
While it started out as a working relationship, cats were ultimately invited to stay on in bookstores, libraries, and museums worldwide. They largely keep to themselves, seeking solitude in the same way that writers and readers do.
Library Cat Society
The magical combination between cats and books can be found in the hundreds of library cats around the globe. Dewey Readmore Books is a contemporary testament to the phenomenon as he enjoyed the quiet, fulfilling life of a library cat at the Spencer Public Library in Iowa for 19 years.
Closer to home we have Browser and Whisper to consider. These two local library cats made national headlines after two city councils voted to evict them. Public outcry resulted in petitions, and Browser has been offered an extended stay. While Whisper’s fate is still up in the air, the impact on his community hopefully paves the way toward a bright future.
Check out these other library cats to get a good idea of what life can be like for some of these amazing cats.
Mystifying Combination of Cats and Books
It’s easy to assume that the relationship between cats and books is purely the result of the environment in which they are both conveniently found, but perhaps it goes another layer deeper.
Have you ever found your cat lounging on your newspaper, magazine, or open book? We already know that cats love cardboard boxes, leading us to think that the connection between cats and books has to do with the actual paper. After all, paper makes an attractive crinkly sound, and it’s insulating to boot!
That being said, however, a common feline behavior is to focus on whatever it is that you find interesting. Laptop computer? Check. Cookbook? You know it. The latest novel? All over that!
Just for Fun
For charming proof of the magical, even inexplicable, relationship between cats and books, check out these fantastic websites:
- Bookstore Cats
- Tiny the Usurper
- Catsby the Bookshop Cat
- Bouquiniste Bookshop
- Iliad Bookshop
- Bookshop of Chapel Hill
- Books with a Past
- Cupboard Maker Books
Your team at Leon Valley Veterinary Hospital hopes you have your own bookstore or library cat in your memory or daily life. If all continues the way it did for Dewey and hundreds of others, there just might be other literary cats in your future!