Shakespeare's Cat

If you’re like me, cat is not the first word that springs to mind when you think of Shakespeare. But why not?

Why not imagine Shakespeare’s character’s as feisty felines tormented by death and desire? We decided to. Our range of exclusive cat graphics are inspired by the Bard’s most famous doomed couple and his most tormented tragic hero. These Shakespeare cat graphics sit alongside beautiful handmade lino-cut prints and a playful book of Shakespeare cat paintings to complete our range of gifts for cat lovers.

 

Inspired by Real Cats

Did you know that our Shakespeare cat graphics are inspired by real cats? We didn’t just look at a picture of a cat to come up with these playful cartoon characters, these cats are inspired by family cats and their Shakespearean representations were chosen based on the real cat’s personality.

 

Hamlet Cat

‘Alas poor Yorick...’

Quote spoken by Hamlet in act 5, scene 1 of Hamlet

Sitting alongside Yorick, and poised and ready with his quill, William Shakespeare, as a cat, in his elegant ruff, brings Hamlet to mind. This meowgestic Shakespearean cat sits proud on home textiles and exclusive clothing that are available in store and online. Look out for the small white mouse in the bottom right corner, cheekily heading across the graphic and right into Shakespeare cat’s line of site.

Shakespeare’s cat is based on Bird, a chunky boy with a big purrsonality. Bird loves his garden and lounging in a sunbeam, a big softy at heart!

 

Romeow & Juliet Love Cats

‘Did my heart love till now?’

Quote spoken by Romeow in act 1, scene 5 of Romeow & Julicat

If you love cats, you will love our Shakespeare Love Cats. Inspired by Romeo and Juliet, this exclusive graphic shows a black and a grey cartoon cat gazing longing into one another’s eyes. These two famous lovers, as cats, sit against vibrant pink heart graphics and text, making this the purr-fect cat themed gift. This graphic is for lovers, and lovers of cats!

The two cats featured on this graphic live next door to each other in South London. The tabby cat is called Ramsey and is a total chonk! Sunbeams, treats and birdwatching are his favourite pastimes. The tuxedo cat is called Mouse, and though she may be small, she is one fierce girl!  She loves belly rubs and playing with feather toys. She’s not a fan of Ramsey no matter how much he tries to win her around!

 

What Fools These Mortals Be by Rowan Tree Print

‘What fools these mortals be’

Quote spoken by Puck in act 3, scene 2 of A Midsummer Nights Dream

In Rowan Tree’s print and greeting card, a meowschevious tabby cat peers out from the frame with curious eyes. This lino-print graphic is hand made in England by Rowan Tree Print and printed on high quality card and paper before being offered for sale at Shakespeare’s Globe.

 

Shakespeare Cats by Susan Herbert

Ever wondered what a world where all of your favourite Shakespeare heroes and heroines were played by adorable felines would look like? Look no further than Susan Herbert’s purr-fectly adorable book, Shakespeare Cats. This paperback book features 32 depictions of Shakespeare’s most famous characters in all their furry glory. Using a variety of cat breeds to represent characters from Romeo to Cleopatra, Herbert paints Shakespeare’s characters as never seen before.

This book is a sure conversation starter and is guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of anyone who opens it.

 

If you really love cats, like we do, why not check out of Shakespeare Cats gifts range, it’s meowgical!

 

Shop Shakespeare's Cat gifts