Cat Poetry Through the Ages: A Literary Journey Celebrating the Timeless Connection Between Cats and Verse

6 min readAug 26, 2024

Cats, with their mysterious nature and graceful presence, have long been a source of fascination for poets across the centuries. From ancient times to the modern day, the bond between felines and verse has been as enduring as it is profound. This literary journey through cat poetry explores how different cultures and eras have celebrated cats in verse, highlighting the unique ways in which poets have captured the essence of these enigmatic creatures.

Ancient Egypt: The Sacred and the Sublime

Our journey begins in ancient Egypt, where cats were revered as sacred animals, often associated with the goddess Bastet. Cats were not only protectors of homes from vermin but also symbols of grace and divinity. While much of the poetry from this era has been lost to time, the reverence for cats is evident in the surviving hymns and prayers to Bastet. These early poetic forms celebrated the cat’s role in both the spiritual and daily life of the Egyptians, often invoking their protective nature and serene beauty.

Classical Greece and Rome: Myth and Metaphor

In classical Greece and Rome, cats were less commonly depicted than in Egypt, but they still found their way into poetry, often as symbols of independence and mystery. The Roman poet Ovid, for instance, alluded to cats in his works, using them as metaphors for elusive and fickle lovers. In Greek literature, the cat was sometimes associated with the goddess Hecate, the deity of witchcraft and the moon, further cementing its connection to the mystical and the unknown.

Medieval Europe: The Witch’s Familiar

During the medieval period, cats’ association with the supernatural deepened, particularly in Europe, where they were often linked to witches and the occult. While much of the poetry from this time was religious in nature and did not focus on cats directly, there are references to cats as creatures of the night, symbols of secrecy, and guardians of dark knowledge. These themes can be seen in the works of poets who were influenced by folklore and the fear of the unknown that characterized the era.

The Renaissance: Cats in the Court of Verse

The Renaissance marked a revival of classical themes and a renewed interest in nature, which included the depiction of animals in art and literature. During this period, cats began to appear more frequently in poetry as symbols of independence, elegance, and sensuality. Poets like Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare made subtle references to cats in their work, often using feline imagery to convey the complexity of human emotions. For instance, Shakespeare’s use of the “cat” in his plays often carried connotations of cunning, agility, and a certain aloofness, reflecting the characteristics that make cats so captivating.

The 18th and 19th Centuries: Cats in the Age of Enlightenment and Romanticism

The Enlightenment brought about a more scientific and rational approach to the natural world, including cats. However, it was the Romantic poets of the late 18th and early 19th centuries who truly embraced the cat as a muse. Poets like William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge were drawn to the cat’s independent spirit and its ability to live in the moment, qualities that resonated with the Romantic ideal of the individual in harmony with nature.

One of the most famous Romantic-era poems about cats is Thomas Gray’s “Ode on the Death of a Favourite Cat, Drowned in a Tub of Gold Fishes.” This poem, written in 1747, tells the tragicomic story of a cat named Selima, who meets her end while trying to catch goldfish. Gray’s ode is both a cautionary tale and a celebration of the cat’s curious and daring nature, reflecting the Romantic fascination with the sublime and the transient beauty of life.

The Victorian Era: Cats as Companions and Inspirations

The Victorian era saw a shift in the way cats were perceived, as they became more commonly kept as pets and valued for their companionship. This change is reflected in the poetry of the time, with cats often depicted as beloved household members. Poets like Christina Rossetti and Edward Lear wrote affectionate verses about cats, celebrating their charm, playfulness, and the comfort they brought to their owners.

Edward Lear, known for his nonsense poetry, famously wrote about his cat Foss, who was his faithful companion for many years. Lear’s whimsical and tender portrayal of Foss in his limericks and letters exemplifies the growing affection for cats during this period. Similarly, Christina Rossetti’s poem “A Cat’s Prayer” expresses a deep empathy for the feline experience, capturing the quiet dignity and gentle nature of cats.

The 20th Century: Modernism and the Cat as Muse

The 20th century brought about a new wave of poetic exploration, with modernist poets pushing the boundaries of form and content. Cats continued to inspire, serving as symbols of mystery, elegance, and even rebellion. T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” published in 1939, is perhaps the most famous collection of cat poetry from this era. Eliot’s playful and imaginative poems, which personify cats with distinct personalities and quirks, later became the basis for the hit musical “Cats.” His work reflects both a deep affection for cats and a recognition of their complex, multifaceted nature.

Another notable poet of the 20th century who wrote about cats is Sylvia Plath. In her poem “Mirror,” Plath uses the image of a cat to explore themes of identity, reflection, and the passage of time. The cat in this poem is a silent observer, a creature that embodies both the familiar and the unknowable, much like the self that the poet grapples with.

Contemporary Poetry: Cats in the Digital Age

In the contemporary era, cats have become even more prominent in popular culture, often appearing in memes, social media, and digital art. This cultural phenomenon has also influenced modern poetry, with cats continuing to serve as muses for poets around the world. Contemporary poets like Billy Collins and Mary Oliver have written poignant and reflective poems about cats, capturing their quiet wisdom and the deep bond they share with humans.

Billy Collins’ poem “The Revenant” is a humorous yet touching piece written from the perspective of a deceased dog, addressing the living. While it is about a dog, the poem highlights the idea of pets as sentient beings with their own thoughts and feelings-a theme that resonates with cat lovers as well. Mary Oliver, known for her love of nature and animals, wrote poems that often featured her own cats, celebrating their independence and the simple joy they brought to her life.

Conclusion: The Eternal Muse

Throughout history, cats have been celebrated in poetry for their beauty, mystery, and the unique bond they share with humans. From the sacred hymns of ancient Egypt to the playful verses of T.S. Eliot, cats have inspired poets to explore the complexities of life, love, and the human experience. Whether as symbols of independence, elegance, or the unknown, cats have left an indelible mark on the world of poetry.

As we continue to write and read about these enigmatic creatures, it is clear that the connection between cats and verse is timeless. In a world that is constantly changing, the cat remains a constant muse, a reminder of the beauty and mystery that surrounds us every day. Whether through the lens of ancient myth or modern reflection, cat poetry continues to enchant and inspire, celebrating the enduring relationship between humans and their feline companions.

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