Famous Cat Lovers

A cat is the perfect confidant, which may be why so many leaders - American presidents in particular - have kept one.

Abraham Lincoln (1809-1565) took back to Washington three bedraggled cats from the Civil War. Slippers, a cat of President Roosevelt (1858-1919), often attended glittering White House dinners. 

President Clinton (1946- ) made "first cat" Socks off-limits to overeager photographers. The official home of the British Prime Minister, 10 Downing Street, has had a succession of cats.

Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965) was known for his love of cats, and his last one, Jock, was provided for in his great owner's will.

The assembly of prestigious ailurophiles includes many other people from royalty and religious leaders to writers, poets, and artists.

When a reporter asked the Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti (1901-1966) which of his masterpieces he would save from a fire, he replied, "It depends on what is in my house.

If there was a cat, and my works, I would save the cat. A cat's life is more important than art." Remarks like this by influential people help to promote the cat's image.