Ernest Hemingway is known for many of his characteristics. He wrote some amazing stories that are still popular and read as part of school curriculums today. He was also a four-time husband, soldier, and he loved drinking his booze. As it turns out, he also was well known for something else, although it seems to have gotten lost in history to a certain extent. Ernest Hemingway loved cats.
Not only did he love cats, you might even say that he is a fanatic over felines. When you consider the fact that he was also known for hunting lions, the fact that he loved cats was rather interesting as well. If you happen to be in Key West and visit the Hemingway Museum, however, which used to be his home, you will find that there are many cats that still roam the property. These cats are descendants of the original pets that lived in the home.
Ernest Hemingway married Pauline Pifer in 1927. Her uncle gave her a wedding gift that may seem unusual, but it was also quite incredible. It was the Spanish colonial house in Key West, Florida. Ernest would end up living at the house for nine years and produce some of his best works, such as For Whom the Bell Tolls and the Snows of Kilimanjaro. He also had a cat named Snow White while he lived at that house, a gift from a sailor who was visiting.
Snow white was an unusual cat because his front feet had an extra toe. Sailors thought that they were good luck, so it was kind of him to give one away to Ernest.
When Snow White became a part of the family, there were more and more kittens being born on the property. This included during Hemingway’s life and even beyond. All of the 54 cats that are currently living on the property are descendants of Snow White. Several of them also have six toes and they all carry that gene, meaning they could produce a six-toed kitten.
The Key West home is now a museum for those who love Hemingway and all that he did. Even though that is the case, it is still well known for its cats. As you walk around the grounds and through the house, you will find many of the felines in that strong population. They are free to roam about, prowl through the palm trees and take naps in the sunshine.
The curator and general manager of the Museum helps to take care of the cats. They are fed. A local veterinarian ensures that they are healthy. They also are able to go inside the house to say safe from storms. All 54 of the cats recently made it through hurricane Irma without a scratch. It seems as if they are there to stay.
