It was 2015 when we warned everyone there were signs cats were plotting world domination. Thanks to new technologies, they talk and play music. Given the sudden rise of AI, cats will probably take over what jobs are left at entering prompts soon. Meanwhile, we hear that at a Seattle bookstore, cats have been ‘running’ the place since the late 80s. And bodega cats are doing it all over the world right now!
If you think about it, it’s probably best cats run things, so let’s go!
Bookstore Cats of Seattle
Brooklyn comedian and cat mom Shea Vassar thought she was in heaven when she visited a bookstore, which is “run by cats” in Seattle.
It’s called Twice Sold Tales, home to thousands of used and rare titles since 1987. The sign for the shop tellingly features a neon cat with a swinging tail. It’s the purrmanent home to multiple beautiful bookstore cats. Wonderfully, shop owner Jamie Lutton rescued them all from shelters.
As cats have done for centuries, they help protect the books from any possible rodents. But their main job is cheering everyone up!
“Their main function is to keep mice out,” Lutton said in an interview. “So far, they’ve served only as a deterrent. They mostly just cheer us up! We have a cat in our lap when we’re working, and we like to see people regress to 5 years old when they come in.”
Images and media via Facebook/Twice Sold Tales
The Beginning of World Domination?
After visiting, Vassar congratulated the cats on “the beginning of their world domination aka running their own bookstore!”
“No, I’ve never been to heaven but I’ve been to Twice Sold Tales
,” shared Shea Vassar.
Video via Instagram/Just Shea Vassar
These Bookstore Cats Are There to Stay
From the looks of it, these cats are also in heaven at the bookstore. They have so many hiding places to explore and often nap together in the window or climb the wooden cat tree there.
Twice Sold Tales shared that people often think the cats are available for adoption. However, it’s wishful thinking since these are purrmanent residents. But patrons are welcome to visit them as often as they like. For adoptions, they can visit a cat café, shelter, or rescue.
“Lots of people have asked what’s up with our cats, so here’s the lowdown! They are all live-in residents that are *not* available for adoption
. They are available for pets & scritches everyday 11-8, though
.”
Screamer, a 3-year-old playful black cat with quite a meow.
One of the cats often seen is Buster, the 7-year-old Siamese who can look straight into your soul.
“We’re open every day 11-8, come get lost in Buster’s eyes and then buy a book
.”
“For the record, Buster is a good kitty
. Thanks for sharing this photo with us Matthew Sachs!
Buster
Meet the Bookstore Cats
Over the years, many charismatic cats have been fortunate to call Twice Sold Tales their home. Below, we take a look at some of the other residents.
-
Lily, a cuddly mottled calico who loves the sun by the cat tree.
Lily
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James, a 3-year-old black and white kitty who loves hiding in the stacks
James
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Pepperjack, a 1-year-old orange kitty
Pepperjack
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Myrtle, 1-year-old beautiful calico who is petite
Below, you can meet the bookstore cats in the video from Twice Sold Tales.
Video via Instagram/twicesoldtales
Before the current bookstore cats, the matriarch Eleanor, named for Eleanor of Aquitaine, paved the way. She was a distinguished and gorgeous favorite for many visitors. Eleanor crossed the rainbow bridge in 2023 at age 19, having enjoyed a charmed life in the bookstore.
Eleanor
Another founding bookstore cat was the fluffy orange Schmoo, who delighted everyone and sometimes rode on their shoulders. Now, Pepperjack is following in his giant pawsteps.
Schmoo
Having met all these kitties, who wouldn’t love to visit and see what books they suggest?
