Cats of the Gilded Age
Many people are curious about which of the famous Gilded Age families (and even those not on Fifth Avenue) had cats as pets — and the answer may surprise you. Cats nonetheless were a constant in Gilded Age New York and often performed very specific, even professional roles.
Author and unofficial “cat historian” Peggy Gavan joins the Gilded Gentleman table for a look at some of the Gilded Age’s most famous cats from Nicodeemus, who was on show at New York’s first ever cat show in 1895, to Buzzer, America’s most photographed cat (find out why), and several others. In addition, Peggy shares that when crucial services benefiting the welfare of cats, such as the ASPCA, other humane societies, and widespread veterinary care, came into being to protect the well-being of our feline friends.
Peggy Gvan is the creator of the blog and website hatchingcatnyc.com and leads New York City tours, telling stories of historical cats — find out more at catsabouttowntours.com.
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