Here, Kitty, Kitty

By Nancy K. Crevier

Judy Fishman loves cats. The owner of four genuine, fluffy kitty-cats, Ms Fishman said that cats and cat replicas are a source of incredible joy and peace to her. She has been collecting cat-related knick-knacks and artwork since she was 10 years old, and now through the beginning of October cat lovers can enjoy a partial showing of Ms Fishman’s collection on display in the glass showcase located just outside of the children’s department of C.H. Booth Library.

Her collection has grown from the first blue glass kitty she bought with her ten-cents-a-week allowance to hundreds of pieces, some costing far more than that dime she first dished out.

The collection is made up of pieces given to her as gifts, and pieces collected from places all over the world. “They each have a different story,” said Ms Fishman earlier this week as she set up the display. Cats sculpted from stone and crafted from ceramic, glass cats, metallic cats, cats of plastic, painted cats, stuffed cats, and cats carved from wood make up a display guaranteed to make the viewer purr with contentment.

Kitties anchor the candles in two menorahs, proving, said Ms Fishman, that “Jewish holidays are fun, too.” A clock that “meows” on the hour will be music to the ears of viewers who time their visits just right. “And what collection would be complete without a Cat in the Hat?” asked Ms Fishman, placing the jaunty stuffed Seuss character on the shelf.

Her very favorite cat collectible is the ceramic and bead feline crafted for her by her sister-in-law.

“He is just exquisite,” said Ms Fishman. “I absolutely love him.”

Visitors to Ms Fishman’s cattery are welcome during regular library hours. For more information call 426-4533.