Cat: A domestick animal that catches mice, commonly reckoned by naturalists the lowest order of the leonine species
From Samuel Johnson’s Dictionary, 1755
He may have formalised the definition of a cat, but there’s little doubt Johnson himself disagreed with his own characterisation. Thanks to his biographer James Boswell, we know he was devoted to his cats, Hodge & Lily in particular, fetching Hodge fresh oysters daily and describing him as “a very fine cat indeed”. This praise may seem a little lukewarm, though given his predilection for speaking his mind – Lackbrain, oysterwench, wantwit clotpoll are just a few of the barbs and putdowns included in his original work – perhaps Johnson had a softer side, reserved just for felines.
We have rather a soft spot for cats too, as regular visitors will know. Bagheera, a supremely friendly beast who craves attention, is fighting fit and charming guests at The Rookery. Sir Godfrey at Hazlitt’s is getting on somewhat, and is more often than not found sleeping in the office, away from the hustle and bustle of reception. We are making sure that he is receiving all the love and attention a cat of his stature deserves though, and he is visited regularly by every member of the team passing by. And while he may have lost a little weight, he has not lost his mighty purr.
