Cat Ladies: EXTENDED VERSION
Digest
This podcast delves into the fascinating history of "Catland," a period from 1870 to the eve of World War II when cats transitioned from utilitarian animals to cherished companions. The rise of cat ownership was fueled by urbanization, the growing middle class, and the influence of artist Louis Wayne, who depicted cats in human-like situations. However, this newfound affection for cats was not without its social anxieties. The podcast explores the association of cats with non-conforming sexuality, particularly in the context of Victorian society. The "cat lady" trope, which ridiculed women who prioritized cats over traditional family roles, and the term "pussy bachelor," used to describe men who owned cats, reflect the anxieties surrounding those who did not conform to heteronormative expectations. The podcast also examines the misogyny faced by women who owned cats, using the story of the Lloyd sisters, three impoverished women who ran a cat hospital, as a case study. Despite facing accusations of running a disorderly house and ridicule for their love of cats, the Lloyd sisters' story highlights the resilience and determination of women who defied societal norms. The podcast also features the story of Frances Simpson, a vicar's daughter who turned her love of cats into a successful business, demonstrating the entrepreneurial spirit of women in the 19th century. The podcast further explores the double standards that existed for women who owned cats, contrasting the acceptance of the Duchess of Bedford's love of cats due to her wealth and social status with the judgment faced by women of lower social standing. The podcast also examines the use of cat imagery in the suffragist movement, highlighting the complex relationship between cats and women's roles in society. The podcast concludes by discussing the enduring legacy of catmania and its relevance to modern society, arguing that the anxieties and tropes surrounding cat lovers in the 19th century continue to resonate today.
Outlines
The Rise of Catmania
This chapter explores the cultural shift in the late 19th century that saw cats rise from being seen as mere vermin-catchers to beloved companions. The rise of "Catland" is attributed to social trends, including urbanization and the growing middle class, and the influence of artist Louis Wayne, who depicted cats in human-like situations.
Cats and Non-Conforming Sexuality
This chapter delves into the association of cats with non-conforming sexuality, particularly in the context of Victorian society. The "cat lady" trope is explored, highlighting the anxieties surrounding women who prioritize cats over traditional family roles. The chapter also examines how men who owned cats were perceived as being "off-center" and not fully invested in heteronormative expectations.
Cat Lovers and Misogyny
This chapter explores the misogyny faced by women who owned cats, using the story of the Lloyd sisters, three impoverished women who ran a cat hospital, as a case study. Their story highlights the double standards that existed for women who owned cats and the challenges they faced in Victorian society.
Cat Lady Entrepreneurs
This chapter introduces Frances Simpson, a vicar's daughter who turned her love of cats into a successful business. She pioneered modern cat breeding, wrote extensively on cat care, and even established a cat lounge in a department store. Her story demonstrates how a woman could achieve financial independence and social standing through her passion for cats.
Keywords
Catland
A term coined by the author to describe the period from 1870 to the eve of World War II, when cats transitioned from being seen as utilitarian animals to beloved companions. This period saw a surge in cat ownership, breeding, and cultural fascination with cats.
Louis Wayne
A British illustrator who is considered a progenitor of "Catland." He is known for his anthropomorphic depictions of cats, which captured the spirit of the Victorian era and helped to solidify the image of cats as charming and intelligent creatures.
Cat Lady
A trope that has been used to ridicule women who prioritize cats over traditional family roles. The "cat lady" is often portrayed as eccentric, lonely, and obsessed with her cats, reflecting societal anxieties about women who deviate from expected norms.
Pussy Bachelor
A term used to describe men who owned cats, suggesting that they were not fully invested in heteronormative expectations. This term reflects the association of cats with non-conforming sexuality and the anxieties surrounding men who did not conform to traditional masculinity.
Suffragist Movement
A social and political movement that advocated for women's right to vote. The use of cat imagery in the suffragist movement highlights the complex relationship between cats and women's roles in society.
Frances Simpson
A Victorian woman who turned her love of cats into a successful business. She pioneered modern cat breeding, wrote extensively on cat care, and established a cat lounge in a department store. Her story demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit of women in the 19th century.
Duchess of Bedford
A wealthy and influential woman who was president of the National Cat Club. Her love of cats was accepted by society due to her social status and wealth, highlighting the double standards that existed for women who owned cats.
Grey Gardens
A reference to the famous American family who lived in a dilapidated mansion with numerous cats. The Lloyd sisters' story echoes the themes of social isolation, eccentricity, and the challenges of poverty that are present in the Grey Gardens story.
Q&A
What factors contributed to the rise of "Catland" in the late 19th century?
The rise of "Catland" was driven by several factors, including urbanization, the growing middle class, and the influence of artist Louis Wayne, who depicted cats in human-like situations.
How were cats associated with non-conforming sexuality in Victorian society?
Cats were seen as markers of dissident sexuality, particularly for women who prioritized cats over traditional family roles and for men who did not conform to traditional masculinity. The "cat lady" trope and the term "pussy bachelor" reflect these anxieties.
What is the significance of the Lloyd sisters' story?
The Lloyd sisters' story highlights the misogyny of Victorian society, as they were accused of running a disorderly house and subjected to ridicule and judgment for their love of cats. Their story demonstrates the double standards that existed for women who owned cats.
How did Frances Simpson turn her love of cats into a successful business?
Frances Simpson pioneered modern cat breeding, wrote extensively on cat care, and established a cat lounge in a department store. Her story demonstrates the entrepreneurial spirit of women in the 19th century and how a passion for cats could lead to financial independence and social standing.
What is the enduring legacy of catmania?
The anxieties and tropes surrounding cat lovers in the 19th century continue to resonate today, as evidenced by the recent controversy surrounding the "cat lady" stereotype. The author argues that our feelings and anxieties about cats have a history and that we should be aware of this when we encounter them in modern society.
Show Notes
Brooke Gladstone interviews Kathryn Hughes, author of Catland, about the storied history of the cat lady trope, how cats became beloved by so many in our culture, and the many meanings ascribed to the animals.
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