Wednesday, April 18, 2012

The Annotated Cat (Sort of)


 
Felis silvestris catus  or Felis catus?   "His Majesty" until this taxonomic dispute is resolved.

While sorting through the several thousand dusty, black and white photographs we have in Archives and Special Collections,  I found a wonderful photograph of an unknown feline who had his/her picture taken sometime in the 1980's.  I seldom find pictures of animals and this kitty, like all cats, has the ability to feel content in any environment. 
 
Since we have lots of cat lovers on campus so I'd like to spotlight a few of the books we have in our juvenile collection which each of us can all enjoy even as adults.  Flabby Tabby by Penny McKinlay is the tale of a kitty who is too fat.  Mr. Putter and Tabby Stir the Soup tells the story of  plans to cook a pot of homemade soup but "goes to the dogs" and is part of a long series by Cynthia Rylant. 

  
One of my very favorite stories is A Dark, Dark Tale by Ruth Brown and the black cat on the cover takes the reader on a journey to the surprise ending.   Although this book is not currently in our collection, you can request it through an interlibrary loan and I hope you will agree with me that it is a treasure.


This is a picture of my Foxy who was once part of the feral cat population on campus and who could have served as the inspiration for A Dark, Dark Tale.  He lives indoors now with his eight other siblings.

Flabby Tabby from our collection of children's books
 
Mr. Putter & Tabby Stir the Soup 
One of Cynthia Rylant's Mr. Putter and Tabby series

While these little guys are now spoiled in my house, they were once feral cats on the campus.   I am happy to be surrounded by people who love animals.  Foxy's message to everyone is,  Have your animal spayed or neutered.

   

Kabuki



Kabuki

Kinky and Kabuki


Loki living in drainspout and Loki now.











No comments:

Post a Comment