Elijah Grant
Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, was a renowned American author known for his works such as The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. However, Twain had another, less well-known passion: cats. Twain was a self-proclaimed cat lover, often expressing his fondness for felines and even renting them when he travelled. This unique hobby began in his boyhood and continued until his death in 1910. Twain's love for cats was so strong that he is quoted as saying, When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction. This peculiar practice of renting cats, particularly during his summer stay in Dublin, New Hampshire, in 1906, offers a fascinating insight into the life and eccentricities of the famous author.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Rented cats when he traveled | Yes |
| Year | 1906 |
| Location | Dublin, New Hampshire |
| Number of cats rented | 3 |
| Cat names | Sackcloth, Ashes |
| Cat breed | Kittens |
| Payment arrangement | Covered expenses for the cats' care for their lifetimes |
| Cat-loving quote | "When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction." |
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What You'll Learn
Mark Twain's love for cats
Mark Twain was a well-known lover of cats, even renting them when he travelled. His love for cats began in his boyhood in Hannibal, Missouri, and continued until his death in Redding, Connecticut, in 1910. Twain once 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 title?". He also wrote, "When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction". Twain's daughter, Clara, gave him a cat named Bambino, which helped Twain through a deep depression following the death of his wife, Livy. Twain even offered a $5 reward for the cat's safe return after it went missing in New York City.
The most famous instance of Twain renting cats occurred in Dublin, New Hampshire, in 1906. Twain rented three kittens for the summer from a local farmer's wife, one named Sackcloth and the other two, identical twins, both called Ashes. Twain held open a screen door for two of the kittens, saying, "Walk in, gentlemen. I always give precedence to royalty". Twain's rental payment covered the expenses of the cats' care for the rest of their lives.
Twain was known to treat cats far better than he treated most humans. He summed up his attitude towards cats when he wrote, "If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve man, but it would deteriorate the cat". Twain's preference for cats over people is further illustrated by the fact that he owned as many as 19 cats throughout his life, with impressive names such as Apollinaris, Beelzebub, Blatherskite, Buffalo Bill, Satan, Sin, Sour Mash, Tammany, Zoroaster, Soapy Sal, and Pestilence. Twain's love for cats was so strong that he couldn't bear to be without them, even when he travelled.
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The Dublin cat-renting episode
Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, was a renowned American author known for his love of cats, which he often chose over humans. He once wrote, "When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction." This love for cats began in his boyhood in Hannibal, Missouri, and continued until his death in Redding, Connecticut, on April 21, 1910. Twain was never without his feline companions, even when he travelled. On one occasion, he rented kittens to keep him company while staying in Dublin, New Hampshire, in the summer of 1906.
Paine's account offers a glimpse into Twain's deep affection for cats, which was further emphasised in his writings. In one instance, Twain summed up his attitude towards cats with the following quote: "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 title?" Twain's preference for feline companionship was not limited to his travels, as he owned up to 19 cats throughout his life, each with unique and impressive names.
In conclusion, the Dublin cat-renting episode of 1906 stands out as a memorable event in Mark Twain's life, showcasing his unwavering love for cats and his willingness to prioritise their companionship, even while travelling. This episode has been immortalised through the recollections of his biographer, Albert Bigelow Paine, offering a heartwarming insight into the life of a celebrated author who found solace and joy in the company of cats.
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Mark Twain's quotes about cats
Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, was a renowned American author known for his love of cats, a fondness that began in his boyhood and continued until his death. Twain was never without feline companionship, even going so far as to rent kittens when he travelled. This unique admiration for cats is reflected in several of his quotes, which offer a whimsical and insightful perspective on both cats and human nature.
One of Twain's most memorable quotes about cats is, "When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction." This quote beautifully captures the sense of camaraderie and connection Twain felt with those who shared his love for these enigmatic creatures. It speaks to the idea that a shared affection for cats can transcend social barriers and forge instant friendships.
Another famous Twain quote about cats is, "If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve man but deteriorate the cat." Here, Twain presents a playful yet profound idea, suggesting that combining human qualities with those of a cat might enhance human nature but would somehow lessen the essence of the cat. It is a testament to his belief in the inherent superiority of cats and the unique characteristics they possess.
Twain also humorously observed, "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 title?" In this quote, Twain elevates the status of cats, implying that a home lacking a cat, especially one that is cherished and worshipped, might be incomplete or lacking in some essential way. It reflects his belief in the indispensable role of cats in our lives and the sense of royalty they bring to a household.
In addition to these quotes, Twain also made witty remarks about the peculiarities of cat behaviour. He once noted, "You may say a cat uses good grammar. Well, a cat does—but let a cat get excited once; let a cat get to pulling fur with another cat on a shed, nights, and you'll hear grammar that will give you lockjaw." Here, Twain comically highlights the contrast between a cat's usual graceful demeanour and the chaotic and grammatically offensive language they employ during a heated argument.
Through these quotes, Mark Twain not only expresses his deep affection for cats but also provides a unique and entertaining perspective on the relationship between humans and these mysterious felines. His words continue to resonate with cat lovers and enthusiasts of his literary works alike.
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Cats as pets in the US
Cats and dogs are the most popular pets in the US. According to one source, there are 370 million cats kept as pets globally. Another source states that 68% of American households own a pet, and this number is increasing. However, obtaining accurate statistical data about pet ownership in the US is challenging, as most information is based on estimates derived from surveys, and the various survey takers do not always agree.
Cats have a long history of companionship with humans. They likely first started living with humans when the rise of agriculture increased rat populations, creating a symbiotic relationship. However, unlike dogs, which began their journey towards domestication in the Paleolithic era, cats are genetically similar to their wild cousins and retain many of their hunting instincts. Some scientists argue that cats are only semi-domesticated and that we are still in the early stages of the domestication process. This may explain why cats are often seen as more aloof than dogs and can be more challenging to integrate into human societies.
Despite the challenges of domestication, cats are beloved pets for many, including the famous American author Mark Twain. Twain was known to rent cats when he travelled and was rarely seen without feline companionship. One of the most famous cat-renting episodes occurred in Dublin, New Hampshire, in 1906, when Twain rented three kittens from a local farmer's wife for the summer. He named one Sackcloth and the other two, who were identical twins, Ashes. Twain's biographer, Albert Bigelow Paine, recalled an incident where Twain held the door open for two of the kittens, saying, "Walk in, gentlemen. I always give precedence to royalty." Twain's love for cats is well-documented, and he once 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 title?"
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Mark Twain's cat names
Mark Twain, born Samuel Clemens, was a well-known lover of cats. He often rented cats when he travelled and wrote about them extensively in his works. Twain's love for cats began in his boyhood in Hannibal, Missouri, and continued until his death in Redding, Connecticut, in 1910. He was never without feline companionship, even when he was on the move. On one occasion, he rented three kittens for the summer while staying in Dublin, New Hampshire, in 1906. The kittens included a solo named Sackcloth and a pair of identical twins both called Ashes. Twain's rental agreement included a provision to cover the cats' care expenses for their entire lives.
Twain's adoration for cats was evident in his writings, where he often included them as characters or referenced them. He once 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 title?" Twain's wit and humour extended to his views on cats, as he famously quipped, "When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction."
The author's love for cats was not limited to his writings; he also kept cats as pets. Some of his cats' names were Abner, Stray Kit, Sour Mash, Zoroaster, Deuteronomy, Tammany, and Billiards. Bambino, a cat originally owned by his daughter Clara, was perhaps Twain's most beloved cat. When Bambino went missing, Twain took out an advertisement in the New York American, offering a $5 reward for the cat's safe return.
Twain's fascination with cats extended beyond his own pets, as he also enjoyed the company of rented felines when he travelled. This unique practice, combined with his literary talent and affection for cats, has left a lasting legacy that continues to charm and intrigue readers and cat lovers alike.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Mark Twain was known to rent cats when he travelled. He once wrote, "When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further introduction."
Mark Twain was a self-proclaimed cat lover. He couldn't bring his own cats while he toured speaking engagements, so he rented those that were available.
Mark Twain rented three kittens for the summer in Dublin, New Hampshire, in 1906. Twain's rental payment covered the expenses for the cats' care for the rest of their lives.
