Did H.P. Lovecraft Like Cats? A Deep Dive into the Author’s Feline Affection

Yes, H.P. Lovecraft demonstrably liked cats, perhaps even loved them, though his relationship with them was complex and, like many aspects of his life, tinged with controversy. Evidence of his affection for cats is plentiful: from their prominent and often positive portrayal in his stories, most notably “The Cats of Ulthar,” to his personal anecdotes and even a controversial pet he owned. While some might argue that a cat simply appearing in his stories doesn’t equal affection, the consistently positive light in which they are portrayed within his fictional universe, particularly when contrasted with other animals (like dogs, which he seemed less fond of), strongly suggests a genuine appreciation for felines. This affection, however, exists alongside aspects of his life and views that require careful consideration, particularly regarding his well-documented prejudices.

Felines in the Lovecraftian Universe

Cats as Symbols of Independence and Mystery

Lovecraft’s cats aren’t merely pets; they are often imbued with characteristics he admired: independence, mystery, and a certain ancient wisdom. In “The Cats of Ulthar,” cats are not just animals but avenging spirits, protectors of the innocent, and possessors of a knowledge that humans lack. This story is a clear example of how Lovecraft projected his own values onto these creatures. The narrative revolves around a group of travelers who cruelly kill all the cats in Ulthar. In response, the other cats of the region band together and exact a swift and brutal revenge. The story’s moral is clear: cats are not to be trifled with, and their inherent connection to something ancient and powerful makes them formidable figures. The narrative paints cats in a positive light and suggests the need for caution and respect when dealing with the natural world.

“The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath” and Feline Allies

The novella “The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath” further reinforces this positive portrayal. Cats in this story act as guides and allies to the protagonist, Randolph Carter, assisting him in his perilous journey through the dreamlands. They are intelligent, resourceful, and crucial to his survival. Their presence emphasizes a theme of natural alliance against cosmic horrors. They act as his allies within the fantastical world of the Dreamlands. They are not merely companions, but rather active agents in the plot who contribute to the overall advancement of the narrative.

Lovecraft’s Personal Connection

A Controversial Pet and the Context of the Time

The most troubling aspect of Lovecraft’s relationship with cats is the name of a pet he owned in his childhood: “Nigger-Man.” This name, undeniably offensive, is a stark reminder of the pervasive racism of the era and Lovecraft’s own documented prejudices. It’s important to acknowledge this painful aspect of his history and to understand it within the context of the time while simultaneously condemning it outright. While this pet’s name casts a shadow over Lovecraft’s character, we should not overlook the affection he might have held for the animal itself, regardless of the deeply problematic name assigned to it.

Lovecraft’s Own Words on Felines

Beyond his fiction, Lovecraft’s personal writings also reveal his affinity for cats. While he may not have explicitly penned an essay titled “Why I Love Cats,” the sentiments expressed in his letters and essays often hint at a deep appreciation for their unique qualities. He describes them as possessing a certain “civilised” quality, appreciating their independence and self-sufficiency. One memorable quote that shows his appreciation for cats is that “Cats are the runes of beauty, invincibility, wonder, pride, freedom, coldness, self-sufficiency, and dainty individuality — the qualities of sensitive, enlightened, mentally developed, pagan, cynical, poetic, philosophic, dispassionate, reserved, independent, Nietzschean, unbroken, civilised, master-class men.”

Ultimately, whether or not one can reconcile Lovecraft’s affection for cats with his problematic personal views is a matter of individual interpretation. However, it’s clear that cats held a significant place in his imagination and often served as symbols of qualities he admired, even if his expression of that admiration was sometimes intertwined with the prejudices of his time. The Games Learning Society continues to explore challenging figures like Lovecraft, examining the complexities of their work and their impact on culture. Find out more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What did H.P. Lovecraft say about cats? Lovecraft described cats as possessing qualities like “beauty, invincibility, wonder, pride, freedom, coldness, self-sufficiency, and dainty individuality.” He associated them with traits he admired, such as independence and self-reliance.

2. Did H.P. Lovecraft have pets? Yes, H.P. Lovecraft owned a cat, the name of which, “Nigger-Man,” is deeply offensive and reflects the racial prejudices prevalent at the time.

3. What animals are associated with Lovecraft? Cats are the animal most strongly associated with Lovecraft, featuring prominently and often positively in his stories. Dogs are generally viewed with less favor.

4. What were H.P. Lovecraft’s last words? While there is no definitive record of his last spoken words, he wrote a letter before his death stating, “I have no illusions concerning the precarious status of my tales, and do not expect to become a serious…”

5. What did Lovecraft think of dogs? Lovecraft appeared to have a less favorable view of dogs, describing them as dependent and lacking the self-sufficiency he admired in cats.

6. Did H.P. Lovecraft actually believe in Cthulhu? No, Cthulhu was a fictional character created by Lovecraft to express his philosophical concept of cosmicism, the idea of human insignificance in the vast universe.

7. Is H.P. Lovecraft his real name? Yes, H.P. Lovecraft was born Howard Phillips Lovecraft.

8. Why was Lovecraft afraid? Lovecraft suffered from numerous fears and anxieties, including a fear of the ocean, mental illness, and the unknown. These fears often manifested in his writing.

9. Was Lovecraft afraid of fish? It’s highly probable that Lovecraft was scared of fish, which connects to his fear of the ocean and marine life. His fears also likely contributed to the horrors he was able to construct in his stories.

10. Who did Lovecraft admire? Lovecraft admired authors such as Edgar Allan Poe, Horace Walpole, and Mary Shelley, from whom he drew inspiration for his Gothic and horror writing.

11. What is Lovecraft horror called? Lovecraft’s unique style of horror is known as cosmic horror or Lovecraftian horror, emphasizing the insignificance of humanity in the face of vast, indifferent cosmic forces.

12. What did H.P. Lovecraft suffer from? He was diagnosed with cancer of the small intestine, and, ever the macabre-obsessed weirdo, kept meticulous notes of the various unpleasant ways his malady manifested itself.

13. What did H.P. Lovecraft eat? Living in poverty, his diet primarily consisted of bread, cheese, and canned baked beans.

14. Was Lovecraft a nihilist? Lovecraft thought of himself as neither a pessimist nor an optimist but rather as a “cosmic” indifferentist, a theme expressed in his fiction.

15. Did H.P. Lovecraft have agoraphobia? It’s been suggested that Lovecraft had a hybrid of claustrophobia and agoraphobia (more accurately, “kenophobia”). He was afraid of open spaces.