'TABBY'
by Charles van den Eycken (19thC.)
Why do these gold rimmed spectacles add such a dimension of intellect to the subject? Are they really included in this painting to add a parrallel air of intellegence to this very pretty, and very sophisticated looking cat?
Or has the cat got a message for her owner? "I've found them! You've been looking everywhere for these and I knew where they were all the time!"
Nick-named by the children, Tabby is more a tortoiseshell. But she has lived with this title for several years now and is used to it.
"Its a good cat name and I like it! Whenever I hear 'Tabby' called out, I know there's some food and milk waiting outside for me in the scullery".
Tabby's owner is probably the artist who has enjoyed their special companionship for some years. He cherishes their special two-way communication and no doubt recognises the utmost canniness of his little friend.
Although cats are such outwardly independent animals, they grow more possessive of their surroundings as they grow older. Its more than just territorial, it is actually an affection they show just by always returning 'home'. They enjoy familiarity, but would never express their affections like a dependant dog!
The warmth of the house and regular food is never forgotten. This is greatly preferred to the alternative of having to prowl round the rubbish bins in the dark. With danger lurking everywhere, even for 'nine-life' cats, Tabby knows where she is best off.
