Episode Summary: "Cats Go From Pest to Pet"

HISTORY This Week delves into the fascinating transformation of cats from being perceived as pests to becoming beloved household pets. Hosted by Sally Helm and featuring insights from Catherine Hughes, a professor and cat enthusiast, this episode explores the historical, cultural, and artistic efforts that reshaped humanity’s relationship with felines.

Introduction: The Changing Perception of Cats

The episode begins by setting the scene in October 18, 1887, at London's illustrious Crystal Palace. Sally Helm narrates the grandeur of the cat show organized by the newly formed National Cat Club, highlighting the diversity of 429 cats awaiting judgment under magnificent glass ceilings.

Sally Helm (01:05): "Under gorgeous high glass ceilings there sit rows and rows of cages full of 429 cats... All of these cats are waiting to be judged."

This serves as a pivotal moment in history where cats begin to earn respect and admiration from the public, transitioning from being mere vermin controllers to celebrated pets.

Historical Context: Cats as Vermin and Their Domestication

Catherine Hughes provides a deep dive into the early history of domesticated cats. Initially valued in the Middle East for their pest-control abilities, cats lived alongside humans “on their own terms,” rarely being trained or cared for extensively.

Catherine Hughes (06:15): "Cats have been around the human hearth, but they very, very specifically have done it on their own terms."

By medieval Europe, despite their utility, cats suffered an image problem, often associated with superstition and neglect. They were largely left to fend for themselves, leading to widespread indifference and even hostility.

The Birth of Cat Shows: Harrison Weir’s Vision

In response to the poor treatment and perception of cats, Harrison Weir, an illustrator and friend of Charles Darwin, sought to elevate the status of cats through organized shows. Despite initial ridicule and skepticism from the public and even royalty, Weir was determined to showcase the beauty and grace of felines.

Catherine Hughes (09:08): "If people saw that the cats are lovely, they're purry, they're delightful to hold and you would want one in your life, then maybe he can bring about a sort of change in attitudes."

The first cat show in 1871 faced numerous challenges, including poor attendance and complaints about hygiene. However, it laid the groundwork for future events and cultivated public interest.

Louis Wayne and the Creation of Catland

As the tradition of cat shows gained momentum, Louis Wayne, a passionate artist, emerged as a key figure in the burgeoning cat fancy movement. Initially inspired by Weir’s efforts, Wayne began illustrating cats in innovative ways, eventually creating a whimsical world he termed "Catland."

Catherine Hughes (16:10): "I think it must be because, you know, as a cat owner, one always wonders what one's cats get up to when one's not looking."

Wayne's illustrations, such as the "Kittens Christmas Party" (1886), depicted cats engaging in human-like activities, fostering a sense of empathy and fascination among the public. This anthropomorphism made cats more relatable and endearing.

The National Cat Club and Organizational Challenges

Despite the growing popularity, the National Cat Club struggled with internal conflicts and disorganization. Harrison Weir’s efforts to standardize cat breeds and organize shows were hampered by relentless infighting among cat enthusiasts.

Catherine Hughes (18:19): "The infighting continues as he lasts precisely three years."

After three tumultuous years, Weir resigned in frustration, expressing his disillusionment with the inability of cat breeders to collaborate effectively.

Louis Wayne Takes the Helm

Following Weir’s departure, Louis Wayne assumed leadership of the National Cat Club. His celebrity status and widespread recognition initially seemed promising. However, Wayne's lack of organizational skills soon became apparent, leading to further chaos within the club.

Catherine Hughes (19:39): "Wayne is terribly badly organized. Absolutely hopeless."

His ineffective leadership catalyzed a split within the cat community, resulting in the formation of the more structured Cat Club under Lady Marcus Beresford, who provided better organization and substantial prizes, further fueling public interest and media coverage.

Commodification of Cats and Mainstream Popularity

The schism between the National Cat Club and the Cat Club coincided with the period’s broader trend of commodification. Cats became mainstream, appearing in department stores with specialized products such as:

• Specialty Kitty Litter from Japan
• Clothing for Cats, including winter coats and boots
• Cat Photography Services

This commercialization mirrored contemporary trends, making cat ownership more accessible and fashionable.

Louis Wayne’s Legacy and Artistic Evolution

Despite his organizational failures, Louis Wayne left an indelible mark on the cat fancy movement through his prolific artwork. Over his lifetime, he illustrated more than 150,000 cats, establishing himself as the most prolific cat artist in history. His later works, created during his time in a mental health institution, showcased a more abstract and intricate depiction of cats, lauded for their beauty and precision.

Catherine Hughes (27:42): "It's very, very precise. It's very beautiful... it's very considered. It's just very, very different from cats in smoking jackets at the theater."

Wayne’s art continues to be celebrated and remains influential, with his legacy persisting in modern cat culture and media.

Conclusion: Cats in Contemporary Society

Today, cats are an integral part of domestic life worldwide, with one-third of American homes owning a cat and 220 million pet cats globally. The historical journey from pest control to beloved pet is a testament to the combined efforts of enthusiasts, artists, and cultural shifts that redefined the place of cats in human society.

Catherine Hughes (28:46): "I think he'd be delighted that they're so well cared for in general that we don't by and large see a cat in the street."

Louis Wayne’s vision and artistic contributions laid the groundwork for the affectionate and widespread appreciation of cats today, illustrating how passion and creativity can transform societal perceptions.

Notable Quotes

• Catherine Hughes (06:15): "Cats have been around the human hearth, but they very, very specifically have done it on their own terms."
• Sally Helm (01:05): "Under gorgeous high glass ceilings there sit rows and rows of cages full of 429 cats... All of these cats are waiting to be judged."
• Catherine Hughes (16:10): "I think it must be because, you know, as a cat owner, one always wonders what one's cats get up to when one's not looking."
• Catherine Hughes (18:19): "The infighting continues as he lasts precisely three years."
• Catherine Hughes (19:39): "Wayne is terribly badly organized. Absolutely hopeless."
• Catherine Hughes (28:46): "I think he'd be delighted that they're so well cared for in general that we don't by and large see a cat in the street."

History this Week masterfully chronicles the evolution of cats in society, blending rich historical narratives with personal anecdotes and expert insights. By examining the intersection of culture, art, and social change, the episode offers a comprehensive understanding of how cats transitioned from being misunderstood creatures to cherished companions.