Name the cat

[rg]

can you submit the cat's name and the approximate date of the photo?

[vipa]

can you submit the cat's name and the approximate date of the photo?

I believe the cat is Bottom and the picture around 1963. I think it's the cat Suzanne got, at Mr. B's suggestion to help her better relate to the character, Bottom in Midsummer Night's Dream. At least that's what I remember from her book.

[rg]

correct on all counts.

[Dale]

I love this photo. Thanks! I also love that there is a huge picture of him on her wall.

[Farrell Fan]

Thanks for the beautiful photo, rg

[Paul Parish]

wonderful picture, rg--

didn't she end up getting some more cats, Top and Middle?

[rg]

i too understand there was kitty trio: top, middle and, in honor of MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, bottom.

[Estelle]

Lovely photo, and lovely cat ! The shape of the big black spot on his face is so funny, it almost looks as if he had some sort of Venitian mask to hide himself... He also has wonderful feet.

[perky]

Is Bottom the cat that never warmed to Mr. B? I remember reading in her autobiography about one of her cats that wasn't fond of him. Is Suzanne still a cat lover?

[Farrell Fan]

Yes. Perky, Bottom is the cat who never warmed to Mr. B. Incidentally, Bottom was also called "Girl" and in her autobiography, Suzanne wrote "she didn't really approve of anyone but me, especially not men." She describes Girl's relationship with Mr. B as "testy" and quotes Balanchine as saying, "If there's one thing I'm going to do it's conquer this cat." He eventually did, but not before enduring lots of scratches.

In recent years, Suzanne has had dogs. For a few years, I got Christmas cards signed by her and a poodle names TEX. There's another poodle now, named CHARLIE.

[cubanmiamiboy]

Interesting

[Helene]

In "Elusive Muse" she is filmed walking a little dog.