Any good writer knows they need a cat to complete their air of mystery. Why do they need a cat? Well, it's simple really.
1) Cats are nocturnal a good part of the time and you may find yourself working into the dark hours. They make great companions.
2) Cats also aren't afraid to give you the criticism you need. They have been known to walk across your keyboard, erasing your sentences and thereby saving you great embarrassment amongst your peers. This also prompts you to save your document repeatedly, to avoid such pitfalls and computer crashes.
3) They also remind us not to take ourselves too seriously, which is a blessing when it comes to writer's block. Often, the best ideas seem the most ridiculous when you first think about them. Take cheese in a can, for instance. I'm not a fan, but a lot of Americans are. I'm sure the inventor of cheese in a can had a cat. Only a cat would not laugh at that idea.
4) Cats are very good at appearing to be busy, when really they're not. This is something we writers can mimic to get out of annoying social calls you wish to avoid or housework. If you look busy, you're family might leave you alone. Thus, giving you time to solve that pesky plot problem before you go to bed; then you'll be sure to get some sleep.
5) Cats also really don't care what you think about them. If you like them that's fine and if you don't, that's okay too. A writer can learn a lot from a cat's approach to publicity. Not everyone will like you or your work, but that's okay. Just act like you don't care and are quite busy, when bad press comes calling.
6) Above all things, cats are very independent, something you as a writer will need to be too. There will be many days you will spend by yourself, holed up with a cup of tea at your computer screen away from humanity. And there will be many days you will have to make bold decisions by yourself like what markets to submit to or which dress your beautiful young murderous will wear when she runs over her husband in your latest novel.
7) Most importantly, cats know when it is time to take a well-deserved catnap. Something all writers should learn. It's good to take a break now and then. Good stories need to marinate too.
8) If you own a cat, you're in good company. The
Bronte sisters, Emily, Charlotte, and Anne, all loved cats.
Charles Dickens owned a cat called "Master's Cat" that kept him company while he wrote in his study.
Alexandre Dumas, the author of
The Man in the Iron Mask and other classics, owned a cat named "Mysouff". Even good ole
H.G. Wells owned a cat named "Mr. Peter Wells", who was known for keeping his visitors's appointments short.
9) Cats also don't mind a little clutter on your desk. They blend right in, in fact. They're not very picky about housecleaning, so you won't need to worry about having a spotless place for them to plop while you write away.
10) Cats also find lots of ways to entertain themselves. Never fret, fearless writer! If you are busy finishing Chapter Eleven, they can definitely find something to amuse themselves with like unraveling the toilet paper roll or raiding the garbage for a new toy.
11) And finally, cats are very good groomers. Well, usually. Sometimes they need a little help, but only if they got into something they shouldn't. You will not need to waste time very often giving them a bath like their nemesis, the dog. You'll have more time to write!
Note: All of the cats featured in this essay are my own furry friends. In order of appearance in the first three photographs are Houdini, Toshio, and Tiggyr. You can read more about their stories and the rest of my zoo here:
As always, happy writing and happy reading!
And if you're thinking of getting a cat, adopt one today from your local animal shelter. There are plenty in need of good homes and they make the best pets ever.
Any cat owner knows a tail is their cat's pride and joy. My almost fourteen year old, Tiggyr, loves her tail. It is a barometer for her health and displeasure; in fact, the only time I have ever seen her stop twitching her tail at me is when she has been severely ill. Her tail is her pen, as it is for most cats, which any cat owner will understand exactly. (I should write I am cat-owned, as we all know who holds the upper paw in a cat friendship.) 
