Hail to Thee, Blithe Curly Spirit!
Caught in a Cat Romance, by Airie McCready, delivers a fervent photopoetry collection that celebrates the profound, enchanting bond between humans and their cats, particularly the unique Sphynx and Devon Rex breeds she knows so intimately as a behavior coach and felinist. Blending her own evocative poetry with stunning cat photography and her distinctive artistic vision, this love letter to cat owners captures the magic, vulnerability, and everyday devotion of feline companionship through every stage of life. Today, we sit down with Airie to explore the inspiration behind the book, her creative process, and what it means to be truly “caught” in a cat romance.
Inspiration and Motivation
1. What inspired you to write a poetry book about your cats? Can you share a specific moment or experience with your cats that influenced your poetry?
My cats have been central to my life for years, and the poetry just flowed from living with them daily. There’s no single dramatic moment; it’s the ongoing, spontaneous accumulation of their presence, behaviors, and the emotions they evoke. Poems come almost fully formed when I’m reflecting on them.
Poetry and Themes
2. How do you approach writing poetry? Do you have a particular process or routine?
I don’t really “approach” it in a structured way. Poetry happens spontaneously when I’ve been thinking about things; usually, the poem comes out almost completely written. The only time I edit heavily is if I’m trying to rhyme or if I’ve repeated a word too often; then I’ll look up rhymes or use a thesaurus. It feels more like giving birth than following a routine.
3. What themes do you explore in your poetry related to the life phases of your cats?
I don’t often write about sickness or death, but when Daisy got very sick, I wrote a poem about it; it felt like drafting her obituary, which was hard, though she pulled through. Overall, the poems capture joy, beauty, daily life, and sometimes loss. I post them on Facebook to process grief and hope they help others do the same.
4. Can you quote a short excerpt from your book that you feel represents its essence?
One section that captures it is about Devlin (my little Curly Thing):
“A little cub by ray of sun… silver and gold wrapped up in one… precious bundle with the dancing tail… only love can prevail.”
It reflects that feeling when a new kitten arrives, like a sunbeam entering your house. They bring tenderness, preciousness, and pure love that lifts you no matter your circumstances, and that love lasts through their life and beyond.
Cat Behavior Insights
5. As an expert on cat behavior, what are some common misconceptions about cats that you’d like to address?
People often think cats are aloof, don’t care about you, are selfish, or are fine being alone all the time. That’s not true. You get out of a cat what you put into it; if you treat them as distant, they’ll act that way. But with effort, they form deep bonds.
6. What advice do you have for cat owners who want to better understand their pets’ behavior?
Watch good documentaries on big cats, lions, leopards, true carnivores. Most people understand dog behavior more naturally because we’re closer to omnivores, but cats are different. Learn their body language and predatory mindset. For example, don’t leave food out all day; wild cats hunt small meals multiple times a day, not graze. Treat your cat like a cat, and you’ll start understanding them and being understood.
7. You mentioned body language; can you give an example?
Tail position is key: Cats don’t wag tails like dogs. If a cat’s tail is swishing or flicking, it’s usually upset, angry, or overstimulated; possibly ready to scratch or bite.
When cats play, one might pin the other or expose its belly while on its back. That belly-up cat isn’t submissive or losing; it’s in the power position, ready to rake and disembowel with hind claws.
Slow blinking (squeezing eyelids together gently, maybe multiple times) while gazing at you means “I love you, I like you,” “I’m not a threat,” or “you’re not a threat.” It’s like saying “I trust you.” You can slow-blink back to communicate the same, though a sudden stare might startle them at first.
Personal Connection
8. How have your cats influenced your life beyond your writing?
They’ve literally kept me alive. I’ve dealt with severe depression, hard times, illness, and coming out of addiction. You have to get up to feed them, clean the litter, water them, and then they want pets. Petting a cat calms you; the tactile sensation helps panic subside. Their constant presence, through boring, sad, or happy days, grounds me. The curly-furred ones and even the hairless ones provide that striking, soothing touch.
9. Do you have a favorite cat among your current beloved pets, and how did they inspire your work?
It’s hard to pick. Devlin stands out, though I feel bad saying it when looking at Sansa. The cats who’ve inspired the most poems are often the ones who’ve passed, because loss brings intense emotions. Devlin has inspired quite a few; my very favorite poem came from North and Devlin as kittens together. They inspire me to write, and sometimes I think I inspire them too.
Writing Journey
10. What has been the most challenging part of writing and publishing your debut book?
Editing and organizing were toughest; deciding poem order (not always chronological), rereading old pieces, and reliving the emotions tied to happy times, beauty, or loss. Especially with deceased cats, it meant grieving their full lives again, knowing they’re gone. I could only edit in small doses because it was so emotional, but I got it into a followable order.
11. How does it feel to finally get your poetry book published, and what do you hope readers take away from it?
I’ve self-published before, but having a publisher (who believes in the work and takes me seriously as an author) feels indescribable. I’ve often felt alone in life, so having support on this journey makes me feel truly seen. Many don’t take “cat poetry” seriously, but this book is about deep relationships, emotions, and grief, showing cats can be as meaningful (or more) than any pet. I hope readers see that.
Audience Engagement
12. How do you envision readers connecting with your poems about your cats? Are there any particular reactions from readers that you hope to elicit through your work?
I hope they feel their own memories; getting their cat, playing, the beauty, how cats spark imagination like no other animal. If they’ve lost a pet, I hope the loss poems help process grief and release it. I like it when readers cry; it means the emotions resonate. I still cry rereading my own poems about lost cats like Lucky or Star, especially in sad moments, and it helps afterward.
Future Projects
13. Do you have any plans for future writing projects or poetry collections?
Yes, a holiday cat book, a narcissistic mother poetry collection, and Lion in the Sky.
14. Would you consider exploring other animal behaviors or experiences in your future work?
Lately, hummingbirds fascinate me; they’re tiny freaks who fight, with such small babies. But probably only if woven in with cats. I’ve had dogs, horses, birds, but after 10+ years of deep cat understanding, writing about others feels surface-level or untrue. I’d feel like an imposter unless it’s honest. Maybe someday I’ll try.
Advice for Aspiring Authors
15. What advice would you give to aspiring writers who want to share their experiences through poetry?
Most people aren’t great at poetry yet; they just write something and call it a poem. Read a lot of others first, not to copy, but to see styles. Try imitating favorites privately to learn. Don’t share until ready. Build a community first (I had a big Facebook cat group already engaged with my cats). Post where comfortable; Instagram, Facebook, forums. Expect harsh criticism (it’s often not about the work), ignore it, and focus on those who connect.
16. Are there any resources or communities that have helped you in your writing journey that you would recommend?
I basically built my own community in cat groups where people were already invested in my cats’ stories. That made sharing poetry natural. Post wherever fits, Nextdoor, online forums, but brace for negativity (it’s usually just trolls). The supportive responses make it worthwhile.
Personal Touch
17. If you could describe your book in three words, what would they be?
Loving. Beautiful. Poetic.
Fun and Lighthearted Questions
18. If your cats could talk, what do you think they would say about your poetry?
They don’t care about the poetry. I’ve read it to them, pointed out “this one’s about you,” and they just stare like I’m crazy. But if they appreciated it, they’d probably say it helps people finally understand what wonderful, deep creatures cats are.
19. Do you have any funny or memorable anecdotes about your cats that you’d like to share?
North is incredibly intelligent and gets destructive when bored; he needs problem-solving (he’s a hunter). He used to flip water bowls, chew furniture, gnaw wall corners. I got him dog treat puzzles (not common for cats then), and once he had them, the destruction stopped. (He’s on a diet now; down 2 pounds from 18.5 to ~16.5–17; goal is 15, but loose skin is a factor.)
When I got blind Sansa, people asked if she’d ever use the cat door and patio. As we talked, I turned, she’d already gone out on her own. She does whatever she sets her mind to.
And North’s latest: He throws things off counters for fun. One day, we found a stash behind the stove gap, cat toys, feeding trays, and even a small computer keyboard I’d forgotten. Richard blocked it with a 2x4, so no more treasures disappear.
Fare Thee Well
Thank you, Airie, for this intimate, tender glimpse into the world of Caught in a Cat Romance. Through your spontaneous poetry, expert insights on cat behavior, and the deep, life-sustaining bonds you’ve shared, we truly get a glimpse at what it means to be caught in feline love. This photopoetry collection is a reminder that our feline relationships carry profound emotion, beauty, and healing. For cat lovers everywhere, it’s a mirror to their own romances and a gentle companion in joy or sorrow. Find Caught in a Cat Romance and let Airie’s verses pull you deeper into the enchantment.
Buy and Connect
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Author Website: https://aberstoatpublishing.com/airie-mccready
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