Rebecca van Laer
Author and ex-academic (PhD from Brown) whose 2025 book Cat (Bloomsbury, Object Lessons) mixes memoir, philosophy, and cultural criticism about living with cats.
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Nov 3, 2025 • 28min
Rebecca van Laer, "Cat" (Bloomsbury, 2025)
Rebecca van Laer, an author and former academic with a PhD from Brown, dives into the world of cats in her book, Cat, mixing memoir and cultural criticism. She discusses the labels of 'cat person' versus 'dog person' and how they reflect identity. Sharing quirky anecdotes about her own senior cats, Toby and Gus, she explores cats’ emotional labor and their role as symbols of resistance to productivity norms. Van Laer challenges the notion of pet parenting, advocating for a more nuanced view as 'custodians' rather than 'parents'.
Nov 3, 2025 • 28min
Rebecca van Laer, "Cat" (Bloomsbury, 2025)
Rebecca van Laer, an ex-academic with a PhD from Brown, shares insights from her upcoming book, Cat. She humorously navigates the complexities of human-cat relationships, discussing the appeal of cats’ independence against the structured roles of dog ownership. Van Laer also challenges stereotypes like the 'crazy cat lady' and explores how cats subtly influence ideas about work and affection. With a mix of memoir and cultural commentary, she encourages listeners to appreciate the autonomy of feline companionship.
