Introduction Curiously, for this patriotic and nation-proud Canadian, it was a derogatory comment from an American politician that set the wheels in motion for The Cat Did It: Tales of Marvellous and Magnificent Canadian Cats. During the run-up to the 2025 American election, a 2021 interview given by the now U.S. Vice-President, JD Vance resurfaced. In it, Vance charged that the U.S. was, at that time, being run by "Democrats, corporate oligarchs and a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable in their own lives." Vance raised the ire of women, as well as cat-lovers of both sexes around the world who targeted the politician''s comments as decidedly anti-feminine, as well as anti-feline.

In Ontario, Canada, this dedicated ailurophile (cat-lover), joined the legion of cat defenders and gave thought to the parade of beloved felines that had passed through my long life. Furry friends each, they had, in their own memorable ways, played significant roles--as companions, comforters, comedians, and as soulmates. Curiously, as the "Childless Cat Lady" brouhaha continued south of the 49th parallel, in Canada, cats were also making headlines. One, a Canmore, Alberta feline adventurer named Gary, bedecked with cat-sized ski googles and cozy ski jacket was featured on the cover of Explore Magazine , under the heading "Canada''s Adventure Cats." I bookmarked the reference for later.Meanwhile in Ottawa, Canada''s capital, a cat tail/tale of a far different flavour was taking place. A displaced adult cat with the curious name of Axel Biggie Smalls had been turned over to the rescue organization "Ferdinand and Friends Animal Rescue" by a concerned citizen. No commonplace feline needing a safe home, "Biggie" weighed in at nineteen kilograms, (forty-three pounds), as big as a cocker spaniel.

Otherwise unharmed and friendly, the big guy was taken on as a special cause by Ferdinand and Friends director Christine Seguin. Over the coming months, through loving care, exercise and veterinary supervision, Biggie was losing weight -- and gaining another chance at life. Before and after photos dominated social media for days.The stories -- both patently Canadian in tone and approach -- inspired and moved me to discover more of Canada''s remarkable and beloved cats. And so, The Cat Did It: Tales of Marvellous and Magnificent Canadian Cats was born . The book would criss-cross the country discovering the "best-est of the best" cat stories, as told by the humans who were thrilled to celebrate their own remarkable catus felis . And now to find the cats!Social media and the internet would, I was confident, point me to the "big stories" such cover-cat Gary and Biggie, the ever-shrinking "orangey." But this story-teller craved to hear the voices of ordinary Canadians telling tales of their own "ordinary" cats.

For this contact, I turned to radio. CBC''s Kitchener, Ontario morning talk radio host, Craig Norris, a cat lover himself, was delighted to assist in my quest. Our "OK Canadians, tell me about your cat" conversation and invitation aired in January 2025, and was syndicated across the CBC network. And what treasures the call-out delivered. From a telephone pole jumping "ginger" in Dildo, Newfoundland; to a rare disease-scenting tabby named Nos in Ontario; from a tuxedo charmer who helped heal a broken heart in Saskatchewan; to a paddle boarding Savannah in Vancouver; from a tortie "frequent flier" in the Yukon, to a free-spirit trickster named Loki who joined the Canadian Navy in Halifax. Dozens of cat-loving Canadians answered my call. And thanks to the wonders of visual computer technology, this story-teller writer was delighted to meet each and every four-footed (one three-footed), feline whose story was told.Each visit with feline and "pawrent" inspired, but several rose to the top of "Best Canadian Cat Stories.

" The heart-warming tale of Bitsy, born with six legs, who through the financial support of a generous Calgary community as well as advanced veterinary acumen was given a chance to live a normal feline life. Another, un chat de Montreal , illustrated how advanced technology allows improved communication between species. Canadian celebrities and renowned ailurophiles including singer Jann Arden, and writer Margaret Atwood also celebrated with tales of cats in the recording studio and cats as poetic inspiration. Following the precedent set by this author''s previous pet-celebrating publications: Famous Canadians and the Pets They Love (2020); Working Like a Dog: Doin'' Nuthin'' Like a Cat , Volumes 1 and 2 (2020), proceeds of The Cat Did it: Tales of Marvellous and Magnificent Canadian Cats will be donated to worthy cat rescue organizations across Canada. Your purchase will enhance these donations.