Book Description

Interweaving historical research, pop culture, and original interviews, Kristen Sollée reclaims the cat archetype as a source of feminine identify and sexual power. This is a wide-ranging feminist exploration of the car archetype in myth and magic. The author takes the reader on a romp through feline myth and lore and examines the many ways in which men and women have talked and thought about cats since the dawn of time. Among the chapters are: The Cat Lady (Crazy, Sexy, Queer) The Black Cat Shapeshifters, Tricksters, and Femme Fatales Pussy Hats and Homocats Hello Kitty and the Cult of Cute From the "crazy cat lady" unbowed by patriarchal prescriptions to the coveted sex kitten to the dreadful crone and her yowling compatriot, feminine feline archetypes reveal the ways in which women have been revered and reviled around the world - in Greek and Egyptian mythology, the European witch trials, Japanese folklore, and contemporary film. By combining historical research, pop culture, art analyses, and original interviews, Cat Call explores the cat and its indivisible connection to femininity and teases out how this connection can help us better understand the relationship between myth, history, magic, womanhood in the digital age, and our beloved, clawed companions. Cat Call is a must read for millennial women, queer fold, feminists, witchy femmes, and cat lovers of all stripes. "Just like a cat itself, Sollée has eyes that see the dark corners of civilization others miss. In Cat Call, Sollée uses the cat to claw open aspects of humanity others are too scared to investigate, from kink, to feminist politics, to viral feline stars that demonstrate the cat is still worshipped by humans from all walks of life. She flips the cat call on itself by dismantling patriarchal uses of the feline to discredit the intimidating power of the pussy while gifting us with a book that leaves you eager to embrace your personal cat power." - Sophie Saint Thomas, sex writer, witch, and author of Finding Your Higher Self: Your Guide to Cannabis for Self-Care