The Friendship of Cats

Friendship, true friendship is precious and we often find no truer friend than our cat.

French writer Theophile Gautier (1811-1872) loved cats. He said of cats and friendship; “…Once, however, they have bestowed their friendship, their trust is absolute, and their affection most faithful. They become one’s companions in hours of solitude, sadness and labour.”

When writing the Alfie series, one of the key themes that runs throughout is friendship. Friendship, true friendship is precious and we often find no truer friend than our cat. Alfie is friend to all, and as one of the things I worry about a lot in the world is people being lonely.

You can never be lonely if you have a cat!

In fact one of the series was called ‘A Friend Called Alfie,’ but all the books have friendship at their hearts.  I hold a belief that animals, our pets especially can teach us important lessons in life, if we are open to learning. And the cats I have known since I was very young have definitely taught me about friendship.

A Friend Called Alfie by Rachel Wells like all the books in the series have friendship at their hearts

Please note, I wouldn’t go so far as to say that cat friendship is unconditional - they will expect to be fed, pampered and adored, but their loyalty is absolute once you have earned it.

I believe there are many ways in which cats show friendship.

Cats are great companions. They often snuggle down on your lap - my cat does this mainly on a winter evening, but she also seems to know when I might be having a bad day. If she senses that I’m upset,  she always gives me extra affection. We all know that cats are very clever and intuitive.

Cats are great welcomers. I know many cats who wait on doorsteps or by the door when their family comes home. Brushing legs to say ‘welcome home’ is very cat.

A welcoming cat is beautiful to come home to. Photo by Alisa Reutova on Unsplash

Some cats show friendship by playing with you just as human children do. I know many cats who enjoy interacting with cat toys and a human and I believe this is their way of becoming closer to you.

Cats can be a calming presence, which is good for our health. A cats purr is some of the best medicine, it warms our hearts and really is one of my favourite sounds ever. We know that stroking or cuddling a cat releases Oxytocin - sometimes known as the ‘hug hormone,’ which releases positive emotions. Our pets are undoubtedly good for our mental health.

We might think that we are doing cats a favour by giving them a loving home and good food but I think  it’s the cat who is doing us a favour! Cats can teach us a lot and friendship is one of the greatest lessons we can learn from them.

Throughout my life cats have shown respect and kindness when this has been given to them.

So today, we celebrate friendship in all forms so please look at your cat and thank them for their friendship.

The Libra Cat by Astrologer Jessica Adams

September 23rd to October 22nd

Your cat was born under the sign of the scales and is interested in partnerships with other animals who are equal but different. The creature that most interests Libra balances those differences so it is quite common to see a dog-cat duet or two cats, one black, one white, in a double-act.

At its most extreme, a Libran cat will pair off quite happily with a budgie. This is also the animal who does best with a single owner as he or she can find perfect harmony in this sort of feline-human duo.

This cat has a strong sense of fair play, equality and justice and will not put up with a household where the owners play favourites. In fact, a Libran cat is a fighter when necessary. Thy do not believe that one creature is better than another and will curl up as happily with a stray, as a pedigree award-winner.

Illustration by Edward Penfield at Picryl.

Famous Cat Lover

Novelist Mark Twain (born 1835) is one of the most iconic American writers and humorists. Most people grew up with the Adventures of Tom Sawyer, or  Huckleberry Finn, I know I did. My father, who is no longer with us, read those stories to me, and so they have a special place in my heart.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by cat lover Mark Twain

But what many people might not know about him is that he loved cats. There is a rumour that at one point he had about 19 cats! And if you want inspiration to name your next pet, he took naming his cats very seriously. Apollinaris, Beelzebub, Buffalo Bill, Sour Mash, Tammany, Soapy Sal are a few of the names he used!

He was once quoted as saying “If man could be crossed with the cat, it would improve man but it would deteriorate the cat.”

A man after our own hearts!

Alfie’s Club

This week Alfie’s Club is featuring Lily, with her beautiful eyes, who turned four in September. Lily was a rescue cat who was adopted two years ago and was initially quite jumpy and easily startled. But a much calmer Lily is now very loving, even following her human friends around the house, much like a little puppy dog. She knows that 9pm is treat time, and comes me-owing and purring right on nine each evening, as if she can read the clock. Lily is the perfect example of adorable cat friendship.

If you would like to send us your pet photo details on what to send and how are can be found on via this link Alfie’s Club.

Plus be sure to include any stories about your cat - particularly the special friendship you have with them - in the comments below.

Rachel Wells