Contributing writer
By Joann Biondi*
Dogs, quite frequently, are comfortable wearing clothes. We see them wearing Hawaiian shirts in magazine ads hawking trendy products, running in parks donning t-shirts and red bandannas, and at silly costume contests at pet stores.
Lorenzo is a natural on set and very easy going compared to what I hear about human fashion models. (Photo courtesy of Joann Biondi)
But cats wearing clothes are another story. They usually appear uncomfortable and humiliated at best, or as if they are having an epileptic seizure at worst.
Cats just don’t do clothes. That’s why it surprised me when I found out my cat, a Maine Coon named Lorenzo, liked to wear them.
It happened by accident. Lorenzo had an annoying habit of stealing dirty clothes from my laundry basket and dragging them through the house for fun. One day I got mad at him for this and decided to get even. I put a spandex tank top over his head and onto his furry little body.
Lorenzo was unfazed. He adjusted his shoulders, threw out his chest, and looked at me with an expression that said, “You think this bothers me? Well it doesn’t. In fact, I like it.” He walked around wearing that tank top for days.
That was when I suspected that I had a natural model on my hands. I took a few snapshots of him wearing clothes, and the images were so funny people laughed out loud. Then I took more and realized that for Lorenzo, the camera was catnip. It was as if he knew that that’s what he was put on the planet to do.
These days, Lorenzo and I do photo shoots together all the time. What takes place between us is nothing less than a respectful collaboration. He knows what’s going on. When the clothes come out and the lens cap is removed, he’s ready to go to work. He is an active, earnest participant in the shoot. And when he’s in the mood, he can totally work it, serve it, slam it and bring it on home.
Yes, I attribute “human characteristics” to my cat. And to claims that I am guilty of anthropomorphism, I say, feh! Like Charles Darwin, I see the difference between humans and animals as a matter of degree rather than kind, and if Lorenzo likes strutting around in a faded denim jacket, I say, more power to him.
And from what I hear about working with human fashion models, I think I’ve got it easy. Lorenzo may run away from a shoot to go chase a lizard, and he occasionally tears down the fabric I use in my backdrops, but he never shows up late for work. Nor does he faint from hunger because he is on a diet, throw temper tantrums, ask for expensive bottled water to be on set or demand to use an air-conditioned Winnebago for changing clothes.
He’s the best and most professional working partner I’ve ever had. And he’s one who always, always makes me laugh.
*
Watch a slide show of Lorenzo showing off his wardrobe!
* Joann Biondi is a Miami-based writer and photographer. Her cat, Lorenzo, has his own web site, www.lorenzothecat.com.
Joann, Lorenzo obviously loves the attention, and he is so handsome he deserves it! This video so cracked me up! Thank you for putting it together. It's hilarious. I love the soundtrack you chose. Perfect!
:-D
Thanks so much, Daniela! He is a natural ham.
Joann (Lorenzo's mom)
Lorenzo has more clothes than I do!
Ha! I feel the same way!!
Mingus saw the video and demanded a new fur coat! ;-)
Haha!
Thanks Daniela. Lorenzo is indeed a ham!
:-)
Great cat and great video! Lorenzo is a superstar!
Isn't he cute? I'm thinking of trying some clothes on my cat Crosby. He might like it. Joann, where do you get such cute outfits? Is this kid's stuff? Or dog's stuff? Or is it Lorenzo's exclusive wardrobe??
Did you see more on his website? Lorenzo has a 'personal tailor in Tuscany!' http://www.lorenzothecat.com/aboutus.html
"Lorenzo has a fetish for fashion, but he is not gay—not that there’s anything wrong with that. Although not quite a metro-sexual, he appreciates the perks that come with always looking your best. He loves fine clothes, preferably stylishly casual shirts left unbuttoned at the neck. Every few months he places an order with Mr. Luigi, his personal tailor who lives in Tuscany. Lorenzo does not wear pants or hats, and he refuses to model in the nude."
All sooo well written!
Omigod, I missed that part! That's awesome!
:-D
I've got a crush on Mr. Lorenzo … but, shh! Don't tell my boy, Lennox, that. Len is a professional "calendar cat," posing with stuffed animals and other props. But, I've yet to see if he'll wear one of my alma mater t-shirts. Maybe I should try it and see what happens. :)
What a handsome, gorgeous boy! Hugs to Lorenzo! >''<
My feline girls here have a big crush on him, too. He's gorgeous!!
Hmm I like cats better in their natural, un-humanized form. Sorry!
Me too, Henk. But Lorenzo is definitely special. he enjoys the clothes. So I have nothing against it. What freaks me out is people forcing pets to wear clothes they hate. When I was a kid I had a Weimaraner named Chicho who loooooved clothes. My sister and I used to make him wear punk bracelets all the time, and he didn't even want to move, fearing the thing would come off.
:-)
Here's a story about him… http://www.thedailytail.com/nonfiction/growing-up...
I'm too sexy for my fur, too sexy for my fur, so sexy it hurts. :P
And I shake my little touche on the catwalk. ;)
Meow! :3
LOL
You guys have all been so sweet. Lorenzo sends purrs.
He’s a special tabby, that’s for sure. I just love his pics. Thanks for sharing him with everyone
You are so right, Betty! :-D