Julia Child: A Life in the Company of Cats

Julia's Cats: Julia Child's Life in the Company of Cats

by Patricia Barey

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5108 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	150 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Julia Child, the beloved chef, author, and television personality, was known for her passion for French cuisine and her infectious enthusiasm. However, beyond her culinary accomplishments, Julia Child also shared a deep and affectionate bond with her feline companions, cats.

A Feline Family

Throughout her life, Julia Child welcomed several cats into her home. Her first cat, Minette, was a black and white short-haired feline who became her constant companion during her early years in France. Julia described Minette as "a very independent cat" with a "regal air." After Minette's passing, Julia adopted another cat, Karloff, a large, long-haired Siberian who was named after the famous horror film actor Boris Karloff.

Cats in the Kitchen

Julia Child's cats were not only cherished members of her family, but they also played a role in her culinary life. In her famous cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Julia included a recipe for "Sole Bonne Femme" (Sole with White Wine and Mushrooms),which she claimed was her cat Karloff's favorite dish. She also often joked about the challenges of cooking with cats in the kitchen, saying, "If you want to make a fool of yourself, cook with a cat in the kitchen." Despite the occasional feline interference, Julia's love for her cats was evident in her cooking and her interactions with them.

A Cat Lover's Legacy

Julia Child's love for cats extended beyond her own home. She was a strong advocate for animal welfare and supported various cat adoption and rescue organizations. After her passing in 2004, a generous donation from Julia Child's estate went to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History to support the preservation and display of her personal belongings, including a collection of cat-related items.

Julia and the Cats of PBS

Julia Child's connection with cats also played a part in her iconic television career. In the opening credits of her groundbreaking PBS cooking show, The French Chef, Julia Child is seen holding a cat, a nod to her love for these animals. The cat in the opening credits was a stray named Minette, who was adopted from a local animal shelter. Minette became a beloved symbol of Julia Child's warmth and humor, and her presence in the show helped to create a comforting and inviting atmosphere for viewers.

Julia Child's love for cats was an integral part of her life, both personally and professionally. From her own feline companions to the stray cats she cared for, Julia Child's bond with these animals was evident in her cooking, her television shows, and her philanthropic endeavors. Her legacy as a renowned chef, author, and animal advocate continues to inspire cat lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike, reminding us of the special and enduring relationship between humans and their feline friends.

Julia's Cats: Julia Child's Life in the Company of Cats

by Patricia Barey

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	5108 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	150 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE