Today in Focus

Revenge of the childless cat ladies

Sep 16, 2024
Elle Hunt, a Guardian feature writer and devoted cat owner, joins Diane Perkis, an English literature professor specializing in witchcraft history, to debunk the stereotype of the 'childless cat lady'. They discuss how this label can be redefined as a badge of honor and explore the societal backlash against women without children. Through personal stories and historical insights, they highlight the rich bond between cats and women, celebrating choices that prioritize independence and companionship, while also examining the political power of childless women in elections.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Elle's Cats

  • Elle Hunt, a Guardian writer, owns two Cornish Rex cats, Vlada and Mishka.
  • Initially, the cats clashed, requiring a pheromone diffuser, but now coexist peacefully.
INSIGHT

Childless Cat Lady Stereotype

  • JD Vance's comment about Democrats being "childless cat ladies" sparked a backlash.
  • This highlights the negative stereotype surrounding this demographic.
ANECDOTE

Taylor Swift's Endorsement

  • Taylor Swift endorsed Kamala Harris, signing off as a "childless cat lady."
  • This reclaimed the term, aligning it with Swift's powerful image.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app