10am today found me – large black coffee in hand – reviewing creative that would be presented to the client later in the day. To my displeasure one of the scripts (written by a single woman who owns a cat mind you) referenced an “ugly fat cat” staring at someone through a window. I took offense and crossed out “cat” replacing it with “dog” on the script.”
Note: This is an inaccurate reproduction of the script in question
To my chagrin – but not surprise – the script was presented in its original form. My boss tried to mollify me by telling me that if said “cat” had to be modified it meant the MAJORITY of cats were neither ugly and nor fat. I wasn’t buying. My clients, knowing my love of cats all turned to look at me when the script was presented.
In speaking to colleagues post-presentation, it became clear that cats would never take the place of dogs – or babies – when it came to advertising. Too polarizing. As much as some people love cats, others hate them. It’s socially acceptable to hate cats. Not so with dogs. They’re the safe way to go.
That being said, I’ve become particularly attuned to successful, sexy, hip women who are proud to claim cats as their own. And in the last few months I’m happy to say I’ve come across two such woman I feel deserve a little shout-out for publicly aligning themselves with cats and defining a NEW breed of “Cat Lady”!
EXHIBIT A
- Laetita Crahay: Accessories Designer for Chanel
- Cat: Electra
- Featured: Marie Claire, March 2010
“My Cat Electra thinks she’s human. She does exactly the same things and eats the same food as me.”
EXHIBIT B
- Jennifer Lawrence: Actress
- Cat: Gracie
- Featured: InStyle Magazine, July 2010
Article didn’t go into Jennifer’s relationship with Gracie but at least the cat was listed in the credits.
So I HAVE CAT readers, I ask you to keep your eyes peeled for other strong-willed hip woman who aren’t keeping their love of cats in the closet. Feel free to email sightings or clippings to me at IHAVECAT@gmail.com.
PS – Thanks Mom and Dad Santa for the awesome Canon printer/scanner!
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