Last Updated on 8 May 2025 by Vanessa
If you think cats nap all day, think again! Cats have long captured the hearts of nearly everyone who crossed their past: travelers, politicians, singers, filmmakers, and more. In Cats Who Changed the World, Dan Jones brings together a fascinating collection of felines that have left their mark on our history and culture, some of which you might remember from articles here on Traveling Cats. Now let’s meet some of these furry heroes!
Cats Who Changed the World: 50 Cats Who Altered History, Inspired Literature… or Ruined Everything
A brief overview of Cats Who Changed the World
Published by OH Editions (an imprint of Welbeck Publishing Group) in April 2023, Cats Who Changed the World is a compact, beautifully designed hardcover consisting of 160 pages.
Rather than providing lengthy, in-depth biographies, Dan Jones opts for brief vignettes that highlight why each of these 50 cats deserves a place in the history books — and in our hearts.
Each cat’s story fits neatly onto one or two pages, making it an easy read. The text pairs with a painted illustration of the cat in question, created by illustrator Marina Esmeraldo.
Feline heroes
Are you wondering what type of cat would leave a mark on the world? Here are a few that have done just that:
- Stubbs: The marmalade tabby who ran for mayor in the small town of Talkeetna in Alaska.
- Bob: One of London’s most famous cats and the inspiration behind James Bowen’s A Streetcat Named Bob book series. A memorial statue of Bob can be found on Islington Green and is a must-see for cat lovers in London.
- Towser: The resident cat from Glenturret Distillery in Scotland. He holds the Guinness World Record for the most mice caught — a staggering 28,899.
- Félicette: The first cat in space.
- Unsinkable Sam: Perhaps the most remarkable of the bunch, Sam was a ship’s cat who survived the sinking of three different naval vessels during World War II.
Lots of familiar faces
Several famous kitties from Cats Who Changed the World have previously been featured here on Traveling Cats as well. Here are a few examples. Be sure to click their names to visit their full stories.
- Gli: The famous cat of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia. Gli charmed both tourists and dignitaries—including Barack Obama.
- Nala: Nala the traveling cat journeyed the world with her human companion Dean Nicholson and inspired the bestselling book Nala’s World.
- Snow White: The first of Ernest Hemingway’s many polydactyl cats named after storybook characters or celebrities. Descendants of Snow White, most with more than the average number of toes, still roam Key West’s Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.
- Tama: The beloved stationmaster cat of Kishi Station in Japan, credited with saving a struggling railway line from closure. Tama wore a little train conductor’s cap and attracted thousands of visitors from all over the country, thus revitalizing the local economy.
- Hamlet: One of the many famous resident cats of New York’s Algonquin Hotel. Hamlet carries on a long-standing tradition of feline hospitality, playing a crucial role in the hotel’s unique atmosphere.
Meanwhile, several cats from Cats Who Changed the World have also made their way into my book Meow! Cats in Horror, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy Movies. You may already be familiar with:
- Jonesy from Alien: The orange tabby who survives xenomorph horror aboard the Nostromo.
- Pyewacket from Bell, Book and Candle: Kim Novak’s magical Siamese cat, forever linked to witchcraft in cinema.
- Salem from Sabrina the Teenage Witch: The witty, sarcastic black cat who’s become an icon of 90s TV.
- Orangey: The legendary feline actor who starred in classics like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Rhubarb, and who reportedly had quite the feisty personality off-camera.
- Goose: The marmelade tabby cat from the modern Marvel universe, who hides a lethal, interdimensional alien monster with tentacles
What sets Cats Who Changed the World apart?
There are a few things that set Cats Who Changed the World apart, especially if you’re someone who enjoys learning quirky bits of history — or just loves cats.
First off, the storytelling is short and to the point. Each cat gets about a page, usually around 250 to 300 words. That makes it easy to pick up and read a few entries at a time without needing to commit to a long session.
It’s light and accessible, which is great, though in some cases you might wish there was a bit more depth. Some of the stories feel like they could have easily filled a whole chapter — but maybe part of the idea is to give you a taste and let your curiosity do the rest.
The artwork by Marina Esmeraldo adds a lot to the experience. They have a watercolor feel that suits the tone of the book. The color palette leans toward muted earth tones — browns, beiges, gentle greys — giving the portraits a warm, cohesive look. Each cat is painted in a consistent style that feels both calm and expressive, often with subtle visual nods to their individual stories. It’s not flashy, but it draws you in quietly.
Another thing the book does well is variety. The cats come from all over — ships, cities, royal households, even outer space — and the stories cover a wide range of time periods and cultures. There’s a good mix of famous names and lesser-known ones, which keeps things interesting.
Overall, it’s a neat little collection that balances simplicity with charm. Not groundbreaking, but definitely enjoyable — especially if you like your history with a feline twist.
Where to find Cats Who Changed the World?
Want to grab a copy? Cats Who Changed the World is available on Amazon.
More cat tales from around the world
- Travels of Suki the Adventure Cat by Martina Gutfreund and Kenny Hildebrandt: This photo book chronicles the global escapades of Suki, a Bengal cat who has journeyed through 13 countries.
- Sigrid Rides by Travis Nelson: In this memoir, Travis Nelson shares his experiences cycling through London with Sigrid, his deaf Norwegian Forest cat.
- Nicolai and the Cats of Skiathos by Bruno Gamberoni: Set on the Greek island of Skiathos, this novella follows Nicolai, a stray kitten, as he forms bonds with fellow street cats.
- The Zen of Cat by Carla Francis: This book explores the intersection of Japanese culture, self-development, and feline wisdom.
- Avalon: A heartwarming true story of a mischievous Belgian cat that became a movie star by Vanessa Morgan
