[Ponte Alto] Cats (not the musical)

[corun at medievalist.org]

Heather wrote:

>I have done that.  It goes back to live off of what you have.  In Ancient
>Egypt, there were cats, it has been documented that at least one piece of
>cloth made out of cat hair was found.  I personally live with two short
>hair cats, but it is easier if you use long hair cats and dogs to weave with.

In Europe in period it was not uncommon to find gloves made of cat hide.
Remember that in Europe, or at least certainly in England during certain
times in period, cats were considered to be the familiars of witches and
were blamed for bringing plague. Unfortunately plague was borne by the rats
that would have been killed by cats had the cats not gotten such a
misplaced reputation.

There is a furrier who sells his wares at Pennsic who has been known to
have a few cat hides available. I believe he imports them from Germany but
can't really say for sure.

On the subject of angora rabbits, I have heard of people actually spinning
right off the rabbit while it sits in their lap.

Corun