Isn’t it interesting that even SOUNDS in foreign languages are presented differently? Take “Meow” for example. In French it’s miaou. When the French call their cats, they say mi mi mi or minou minou minou. And if you want your dog to stop barking, you don’t say “shh” you say chut.
And speaking of those beloved domestic companions, it’s time for our annual post on French chats et chiens. More felines than canines, as I’m am owned by a cat, but do not have the good fortune of having a dog.
This year we’ll take a bit of a different tack: I’ve got my usual crop of photos that I've snapped throughout the year, but also some amusing quotes on cats that you will surely relate to, if you are the servant of a furry diva.
We’ll start with a Burgundian charmer who goes by the name of Bellie
And speaking of grand bellies:
This dog is a regular feature at the one of the stands at the Beaune market, usually spotted snoozing amongst the veggies and flowers
Here’s some fun graffiti from a French wall
This sign reads: Seriously mean cat at large, and he’s hungry, too
Can you spot the dog at this flea market stand in Nice?
Here, kitty kitty kitty!
Readers, you know this cat: Vino le Bambino, a baby no more
And now for some great cat quotes, starting with my very favorite:
"Of all God's creatures, there is only one that cannot be made slave of the leash. That one is the cat. If man could be crossed with the cat it would improve the man, but it would deteriorate the cat.”–Mark Twain
"Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea."–Anonymous
"If cats could talk, they wouldn't." –Nan Porter
"The more people I meet, the more I like my cat." –Anonymous
"I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior." –Hippolyte Adolph Taine, French philosopher
"In my house I want: A reasonable woman, a cat passing among the books, and friends in every season whom I cannot live without." –Guillaume Apollinaire, Poet
"I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul."–Jean Cocteau, French writer
Favorite READS: Rachael Hale McKenna is an animal photographer who moved to France, and she captures the local felines in a sweet little book a friend gave me, called The French Cat (some of the above quotes are from this book); she also has one called The French Dog. Another friend gave me a different sort of book, called Bad Cat: 24 Not-so-pretty Kitties Gone Bad ("warning, may contain offensive feline material"), which is a hilarious and perhaps more realistic take on the life of your cat. And in a different vein, our favorite book critic, Natalia, recommends the new novel A Single Thread, by Tracy Chevalier, of "The Girl with the Pearl Earring" fame.
10 thoughts on “Calling All French Cats”
I want to cuddle everyone of them! And, I think you must have broken Vino somewhere along the way…how sad…
Mama just bought A Single Thread and we all LOVE your French kitty post.
Love from a French kitty,
Loulou
We returned to Pernes Les Fontaines a few weeks ago. I had forgotten that it is plein des chats. Fun to see again. Love the quotes. They certainly fit our cats.
Oh,dear Lynn,you always write the most wonderful posts,but this one is absolutely at the top of my favorites list!!Especially the wonderful opportunity to see sweet Vino,who will always be a precious baby in grown up clothes!I have Rachael’s French Dog–it has captured my imagination!!
PS our pups just turned one!!
These are all adorable, especially Vino Lynn.
Our cat Noir says have you read “Distillery Cats” by Brad Thomas Parsons. It is a Bio of cats working in American Distilleries. She recommends it as humorous.
I particularly enjoyed your darling Domino’s letter telling us about his life with “his staff”. HILARIOUS!
What a pleasant surprise! Loved it all. That look on Vino’s face on Ron’s lap is priceless. Loved seeing Bellie of coarse. Thanks for your perfect timing!
Great photos! We miss you in Beaune, but hope you, Ron and Vino are enjoying life back in Charleston.
I think I saw the tail end of the little white dog on the table with his head hidden under the yellow handbag, non? Was he embarrassed for some reason? Sue Wallace