ailourophilia

The opposite of the above, or a special fondness for cats (ailourophilia) also occurs. In a recent note from one of our best-known zoologists, he says, “I am extravagantly fond of cats, and a big fellow is now at my elbow.”

1908 September, “Phobias and Philias, Especially Regarding Cats”, in James Peter Warbasse, editor, New York State Journal of Medicine, volume VIII, number 9, New York, N.Y.: Medical Society of the State of New York, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 499, column 2

CAT books are either sensible or silly. In mitigation of the silly it should be remembered that very few people are balanced about cats. Cats are Archetypes. I myself, if I did not already have a religion, would certainly worship the Cat, as did the ancient Egyptians.

1957 December 15, Evelyn Carvallo [pseudonym; Muriel Spark], “Ailourophilia”, in The Observer, number 8,685, London, →ISSN, →OCLC, page 12, column 4

I love cats! / Who kill the rats / While I’m on a chair / And for that service / Only ask for their share.

1960 August 10, Ida T. Jones, “Ailourophilia”, in Chicago Daily Tribune, sports final edition, volume CXIX, number 191, Chicago, Ill., →ISSN, →OCLC, part 1, page 20, column 3

Mr Hillier took down his Who’s Who to enlighten the questioning Mrs Mead. ‘Well, yes. Let’s see. […] Hobbies: reading, ailourophilia – that’s cat-loving – gardening. There you are.’

1990, Stanley Middleton, chapter 6, in Changes and Chances, London: Hutchinson, →ISBN, page 53