Famous cats of music

Quick! How many song titles can you name containing the word "cat?" There's "Stray Cat Strut," "Cat Scratch Fever," "Cats in the Cradle," "Nashville Cats," "What's New, Pussycat?", "Honky Cat," and many more. I didn't realize what a big part the word "cat" played in song topics until I did some research for this blog.

In our previous blog, "Famous cats of film," we discussed different movies where felines played significant roles. Topping the favorites list was Orangey in Breakfast at Tiffany's, Jonesy in Alien, Winston Churchill in Sematary, Mrs. Norris in the Harry Potter series, and many more.

While cats played an important part in our cinematic history, they have been able to shine in today's music world. In another previous blog about whether cats were musically-inclined, I told the story about my little Gabby, who would perch herself on the arm of the sofa closest to the piano while I practiced. She would often sit, eyes closed, and chirp her pleasure while I played. What a wonderful memory I have of her appreciating my music!

While I have and love both kitties and puppies, many musicians prefer cats over any other pet. Cats got to shine in song titles as far back as the 1800s. Musicians enamored with cats often say they were the inspiration for their art. It seems music and cats go together like catnip and fun. Music icons from all genres prefer feline companionship, including the likes of Joan Baez, David Bowie, Mariah Carey, Johnny Cash, Cher, Kurt Cobain, Leonard Cohen, Alice Cooper, David Crosby, Celine Dion, Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Jimi Hendrix, Billy Idol, Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga, and many, many more. One of my favorite singers, Freddy Mercury, was known to have had ten cats throughout his life.

Cats have also starred in music videos, including sElf's "Runaway," which explores the subtle movements cats offer while listening to their hit song. You can hear that tune and others at Lemonade, cited below. There's also Best Coast's version of "Crazy for You," which is directed by a cat wearing a shirt and tie and looking quite bored. While looking at those, be sure to check out Touche` Amore`'s "Reminders," which asked some of the band's friends, "What serves as a reminder for love in your life?" This video shows that the number one answer was "pets," and cats enjoyed several cameo roles in the video.

For the most part, cats do not share a love for their human's preferred music. Most cats are indifferent to human-made music, so it seems my Gabby was an exception. Studies show cats prefer music explicitly made for them, revealing their joy by rubbing against the speakers, moving around more, purring, or even chirping like my little one years ago. It will only take a brief online search if you are interested in providing your cat with some feline-appropriate music. And know this: if you prefer your cat to any dog around, the names above prove you're in very good company.

Quote to remember: "There are two means of refuge from the miseries of life: music and cats." - Albert Schweitzer

Sources:

Ranker

https://www.ranker.com/list/the-best-songs-with-cat-in-the-title/ranker-music

"The Best Songs With Cat in the Title"

The Great Cat

https://www.thegreatcat.org/famous-cat-lovers/famous-cat-lovers-musicians-composers-dancers-singers/

"Famous cat lovers-musicians, composers, dancers, singers"

Lemonade

https://www.lemonade.com/pet/explained/the-13-best-music-videos-starring-dogs-and-cats/

"The 13 Best Music Videos Starring Dogs and Cats"