Catymology

A sad tale of mass catticide

Millions of Cats
Wanda Gag
Coward-McCann, 1928

In this sad tale of mass catticide, attributed to the Minnesota author Wanda Gag, a poor peasant brings home

Hundreds of cats
Thousands of cats
Millions and billions and trillions of cats . . . .

Naturally, mayhem ensues. I could have told Gag what would happen. Cats generally subscribe to the Highlander principal: when it comes to cats, there can be only one. That’s why I am certain that the real author of the story was the poor, bedraggled kitten, unnamed here, who survives the carnage by hiding in a bush.

Some critics have interpreted Gag’s story as a parable about the dangers of overpopulation. Hadn’t she heard about birth control?

The illustrations are charming, but there’s not a laugh in the whole book.

Although my amanuensis claims that this book was one of her childhood favorites, I suspect that she is lying. If amanuensis had her way, she would collect cats like other women collect shoes. In fact, from what I’ve overheard, her whole family is not only catted, but multiply so.


Tags: cats book reviews