Hemingway and His Namesake Cats
How the Iconic Author Came to Know and Love These Cats
While most people are familiar with legendary American author Ernest Hemingway, few know about his connection with polydactyl cats.
Situated in the idyllic confines of Key West, Florida lies the Hemingway Home and Museum. This popular tourist destination is visited by thousands of guests annually and serves as a historic monument to the man who is considered by many as one of the most prolific American writers of the twentieth century. However, it also boasts another equally popular attraction: the approximately sixty resident "Hemingway cats" that call the museum home.
The History of the Hemingway Cat
The legend behind the very first Hemingway cat sounds like it could have been a storyline in one of Papa's novels or short stories. In 1935, Hemingway befriended a sea captain who was temporarily docked in Key West. The captain had an unusual six-toed, polydactyl cat named Snowball that fascinated Hemingway so much, that upon the captain's departure he gave the cat to Hemingway as a gift.
Hemingway loved his cats so much that he had a special drinking fountain erected on his property for their convenience. It was crafted from a Spanish olive jar imported from Cuba and the base was actually a urinal from a bar, covered with tile. This fountain stands as one of the most popular elements of the Hemingway house. It is also one of the most famous pet fountains in the world.
The Modern Hemingway Cats
While the times may have changed since Hemingway's death in 1961, one thing at the legendary home is still the same: the cats rule the roost. Today there are approximately sixty cats that are permanent residents of the Hemingway house, with some even being direct descendents of the original Hemingway cat. The cats can be seen lounging and wandering the grounds and the interior of the house at their leisure.
The modern Hemingway cat population widely varies in breed, color and size, though at least half of them are polydactyls. Their feeding and medical care is provided by the museum caretakers, and they are provided for through terms spelled out in Hemingway's will. All of the cats have names; some are even named after famous Hollywood actors, writers, artists and even characters from his books (Emily Dickenson, Spencer Tracy, Audrey Hepburn, Sofia Loren and Charley Chaplin just to name a few!).
Hemingway Cat Controversy
In recent years there has been increased controversy from the federal government regarding the confinement of the Hemingway cats. Neighbors have complained that the cats climb over the walls and onto the surrounding property, thus violating regulations of proper pet confinement. Legally, if the problem is not resolved to the liking of the government, the cats can be confiscated.
It is clear that Hemingway loved and admired the individuality and companionship of felines, so much so that he provided for them in his will. It is appropriate that they carry on his namesake for generations to come.
