Sideways 77. Crazy Cat Lady
Sep 3, 2025
Anna Go-Go, a performer and author of the Cat Lady Manifesto, discusses her journey breaking stereotypes as a drummer and dance instructor alongside her feline friends. She explores the cultural anxieties surrounding the 'crazy cat lady' myth, shedding light on how it has evolved from a source of mockery to a symbol of empowerment. Joined by experts, they delve into societal perceptions of women and cats, celebrating the bond between them and reimagining what it means to embrace independence and creativity without judgment.
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Cats As Lifelong Companions
- Anna Go-Go describes adopting two cats and their distinct personalities and roles in her life.
- She credits her cats with long-term emotional support and calls them her "ride or die buddies."
Creative Rebellion And Comfort
- Anna recounts becoming a drummer and later founding a neo-burlesque troupe that defied body-shaming culture.
- She links her creative rebellion to personal freedom and says her cat Muffin was a comforting companion during that period.
Label Targets Women Who Defy Roles
- Dr. Corey Wrenn links the "crazy cat lady" slur to backlash against women who defy traditional roles.
- She explains the label targets widows, single women, disabled and queer women who form close bonds with cats.
