Best Cat Ever by Cleveland Amory

In this captivating book, the remarkable journeys of Cleveland Amory and his beloved cat, Polar Bear, take center stage. Throughout the narrative, the author fondly reflects on their adventures while attending reunions at Milton Academy and Harvard University.

Amory’s reminiscences transport us back to his formative years, as he shares memories of his days at prep school and university. With vivid detail, he paints a picture of the academic institutions that shaped him and the community that welcomed him.

But Amory’s life extends far beyond his time in school. He embarked on a successful career in journalism, a profession that allowed him to traverse the globe and experience a multitude of cultures. These experiences shape his perspective as he embarks on his later endeavors.

As the narrative weaves its way through Amory’s life, we are introduced to an altogether different side of him – his role as the President of the American Anti-Vivisection Society and Fund for Animals. In this important role, Amory dedicated himself to the protection and welfare of animals, championing their rights and tirelessly advocating for their well-being.

Through Amory’s words, we gain insight into the profound impact that animals had on his life. From Polar Bear’s faithful companionship to the countless animals he worked to protect, their presence was a source of inspiration and purpose.

Overall, this book invites readers to embark on an unforgettable journey alongside Cleveland Amory and Polar Bear. Through a mixture of personal anecdotes, thoughtful reflections, and heartfelt advocacy, we are given a glimpse into a life well-lived, filled with adventure, education, and above all, a profound love for animals.

The Cat Who Came for Christmas: A Heartwarming Holiday Rescue Story

Welcome to the Literary Cat Cast, a podcast dedicated to showcasing stories and books featuring cats as main characters. In this episode, we delve into one of the most beautiful books I have ever read: “The Cat Who Came for Christmas” by Cleveland Amery.

The book, published in 1987, tells the story of Amery’s adventure rescuing a stray, injured, and hungry white cat on a snowy Christmas Eve in Manhattan in 1977. This heartwarming tale spent 12 weeks at number one on the New York Times bestseller list and has become a beloved classic.

But before we dive into the book’s history and reading, I want to share a personal connection to this story. A few years before I stumbled upon this book, a stray cat showed up at my apartment door during a thunderstorm. This cat, whom I named Simon, completely changed my life and gave me a new sense of purpose. I wrote about this transformative experience on my blog, titled “Saved by a Cat,” which you can find on our website.

Cleveland Amery, the author of “The Cat Who Came for Christmas,” was a talented writer, critic, commentator, and animal rights activist. His life’s work made a significant impact on animal welfare and protection. He graduated from Harvard in 1939 and went on to have a successful career as a reporter and writer for national magazines. He was also a regular columnist for the Saturday Review and TV Guide, as well as a commentator on the Today Show.

In 1967, Amery founded the Fund for Animals, an organization focused on protecting animals from hunters and creating animal sanctuaries. One of their notable achievements was the removal of 577 burros from the Grand Canyon in 1979. Inspired by Anna Sewell’s novel “Black Beauty,” Amery established the Black Beauty Ranch in Texas, a sanctuary that provided a safe haven for abused animals. The ranch currently houses over 600 resident animals and is open for tours.

The cat featured in this podcast episode, Polar Bear, is buried at the Black Beauty Ranch, along with Cleveland Amery’s ashes. Friendly, the last surviving donkey from the rescue in 1979, also lived at the sanctuary until her passing in 2011. Their graves and memorial markers can be found at the ranch.

Now, let’s delve into the first chapter of “The Cat Who Came for Christmas.” Please note that I will be reading it in Cleveland Amery’s voice, so try to imagine a man’s voice as you listen to the story.

Chapter One: The Rescue

To anyone who has ever been owned by a cat, it will come as no surprise that there are certain things about your feline companion that you never forget. For Cleveland Amery, it was the first beautiful thing he noticed about the cat who came into his life. Its soft and radiant green eyes. The book takes us back to a snowy Christmas Eve in New York City in 1977. Amery, who was going through a difficult time, unexpectedly finds himself rescuing a thin, dirty, and injured cat from a Manhattan alley.

Amery’s encounter with this feline friend marks a turning point in his life. The cat, whom he names Simon, brings him purpose and joy during a challenging period. The book beautifully captures the bond between Amery and Simon, showcasing the transformative power of feline companionship.

And with that, I’ll leave you to enjoy the rest of the episode, including the reading of Chapter One of “The Cat Who Came for Christmas.” Remember to check our website for links to purchase this heartwarming book. Stay tuned for more episodes of the Literary Cat Cast and discover the magic of cat-filled stories. Thank you for listening.

By Phoebe Phillips