Ruth Suckow & Cats

Ruth Suckow loved cats.  In fact, a cat graces the book plate she designed.  Cats figure notably in numerous Suckow stories and novels—often symbolizing spirited independence. 

Cat lovers will particularly respond to Suckow’s short story “Spinster and Cat” and they will be touched by the presence of cats in other Suckow stories.

• In “Sunset Camp” in California, Midwesterner Henry Grobaty faces the sunset of his health and life.  The tiger cat in the story comes to represent his wife, Nellie, who begins to adapt to the change.  Husband and wife’s roles reverse in the face of his fading health, and Henry speaks to the cat on matters he wants to convey to his wife.  He tells the cat they will stay.
• In “One of Three Others” the cat (named Billy Boy) allows Suckow to explore two different types of affection: the devotion shown Billy Boy by one sister versus the care he receives from another.
• In “The Little Girl from Town,” Patricia, a pretty little girl from town, spends her first day on a farm.  Town and rural life are contrasted via barn cats vs. pet shop cats.  Patricia names the barn cats after jewels.

We invite comments and short and long articles on cats in Suckow’s life and works.  Send your comments and articles to Mike Dargan (Dargan@gmail.com) and they will be placed on this site.