H.P. Lovecraft's Cat: The Shocking Name & Legacy REVEALED

17 May, 2025

Ever stumbled upon a "don't google" post and instantly regretted your curiosity? Many have fallen prey to the internet's dark corners thanks to the name of H.P. Lovecraft's cat, a name so loaded with racial hate that it continues to spark outrage and reflection. The legacy of the famed horror writer is forever intertwined with this controversial detail from his personal life.

The story of Lovecraft and his cat is a complex one, mired in the societal norms and prejudices of his time. The acquisition of the cat, the naming, and the subsequent life of the pet offer a glimpse into the author's world, a world where casual racism was, unfortunately, commonplace. While some argue that the name was merely a reflection of the era and not necessarily indicative of malicious intent, the impact of such language cannot be ignored. It's a stark reminder of the casual dehumanization that permeated early 20th-century society. The implications resonate even more profoundly when considering Lovecraft's own frequently voiced, vehement opinions on race.

Category	Information
Full Name	Howard Phillips Lovecraft
Date of Birth	August 20, 1890
Place of Birth	Providence, Rhode Island, USA
Date of Death	March 15, 1937
Occupation	Author, Poet, Essayist
Genre	Horror, Science Fiction, Weird Fiction
Notable Works	"The Call of Cthulhu," "The Shadow Over Innsmouth," "The Colour Out of Space," "The Rats in the Walls"
Literary Style	Cosmic Horror, emphasizing humanity's insignificance in the face of the vast universe.
Influences	Edgar Allan Poe, Lord Dunsany, Arthur Machen
Website	The H.P. Lovecraft Archive

To fully grasp the depth of this issue, consider a piece of verse penned by a young Lovecraft in 1912, not long after the passing of his childhood pet. This poem, titled "On the Creation of N s," reveals a disturbingly clear expression of his racist views. The poem itself is a crude depiction of racial inferiority, reflecting the deeply ingrained prejudices of the time. It's a jarring reminder that Lovecraft's problematic views were not merely passive observations but actively articulated beliefs.

The name of Lovecraft's cat has evolved into a cultural flashpoint, triggering ongoing debates about his legacy. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth that a celebrated artist can also harbor deeply problematic views. This controversy raises questions about sensitivity, cancel culture, and how we should engage with the works of individuals whose personal beliefs clash with modern values. Should we separate the art from the artist? Or does the artist's personal life inevitably taint their creations?

The internet's fascination with Lovecraft's cat name is also fueled by its shock value. Memes depicting innocent inquiries leading to unpleasant discoveries highlight the jarring contrast between typical cat names and the reality of Lovecraft's choice. These memes, while often humorous, serve as a constant reminder of the underlying issue.

Beyond the controversy, there's the personal element: Lovecraft's affection for his cat. The cat was buried in his backyard, alongside other cherished pets, and its memory seemingly lived on in Lovecraft's stories. This detail adds another layer of complexity to the situation. How do we reconcile the man's love for his animal companion with the hateful language he used to describe others? It is a question that resists easy answers.

Lovecraft’s fondness for cats is well-documented. Cats are often featured in his Cthulhu mythos, playing prominent roles in his writings. The Dreamlands story "The Cats of Ulthar" provides a fictional explanation for the protection of cats within that village. "The Dream-Quest of Unknown Kadath" further expands on this theme, introducing sapient cats as inhabitants of his fantastical world. But this affinity for felines doesn't excuse the deeply problematic name he chose for his own pet.

The cat appears in several sources throughout Lovecraft's legacy, including his letters and his 1923 short story, "The Rats in the Walls." However, later editions of "The Rats in the Walls" often replace the cat's original name with more innocuous alternatives like "Blackie" or "Black Tom." This act of censorship, while perhaps well-intentioned, also highlights the discomfort surrounding the original name.

Given Lovecraft's love for cats, it's surprising how relatively few of them appear in his overall body of work compared to dogs. However, when cats do appear, they often play more significant roles. They are often portrayed as mysterious, intelligent, and even possessing a certain degree of power. This elevated status within his fictional universe further underscores the complexity of his relationship with these animals.

In stark contrast to the darkness associated with his cat's name, Lovecraft also explored feline symbolism through figures like Bubastis, the Egyptian goddess of cats. Bubastis, also known as Bast, Ubaste, is linked to other deities like Sekhmet and Mut, and is even associated with ghouls in some Saracen lore. This duality – the reverence for cats as powerful figures and the use of a racial slur to name his own – reveals a deeply fractured and contradictory perspective.

In the German-speaking world, Lovecraft is celebrated for his unique and dark horror stories, but even there, the question lingers: "Wie hie\u00df die katze von Lovecraft?" (What was the name of Lovecraft's cat?). The answer is a disturbing reminder of the author's deeply ingrained prejudices, casting a shadow over his literary achievements.

For those seeking less offensive names for their feline companions, numerous resources offer alternatives inspired by Lovecraft's rich and haunting universe. These lists provide a way to honor his literary contributions without perpetuating the harm caused by his personal biases.

The controversy surrounding Lovecraft's cat raises important questions about the role of historical context in evaluating art. Can we separate the artist from their art? Or should we hold artists accountable for the harmful views they expressed, regardless of the time period in which they lived? There are no easy answers to these questions, and the debate continues to rage on.

Lovecraft's initial reaction to the death of his mother, Susie, was one of profound sadness and despair. He expressed a desire for his own life to end. However, his later response was one of relief, as he gained independence from her. This complex relationship with his mother, coupled with his documented views on race, provides a glimpse into the psychological factors that may have shaped his worldview.

Cthulhu, perhaps Lovecraft's most famous creation, embodies the cosmic horror that defines his work. This massive, ancient entity sleeps beneath the sea, waiting to rise again. Cthulhu represents the insignificance of humanity in the face of the vast, uncaring universe. It is a theme that permeates much of Lovecraft's writing and reflects his own pessimistic outlook on life.

The story of Lovecraft's cat prompts us to explore his complex relationship with his pet, the controversy surrounding its name, and its lasting impact on his legacy. It's a story that forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about the past and to grapple with the complexities of human nature.

Ultimately, understanding the story of Lovecraft’s cat requires acknowledging the dark side of a literary genius. It requires us to engage in critical reflection and to grapple with the challenging questions it raises about art, morality, and the legacy of prejudice.

The name of Lovecraft’s cat, while deeply offensive, has ironically become a point of discussion about racism, historical context, and the responsibility of artists. It's a name that continues to provoke strong reactions and to challenge our understanding of a complex and controversial figure in literary history.

The Polish perspective on this matter ("Jakie by\u0142o imi\u0119 hp lovecraft cat 6? Jest bardzo stary i zadawane pytania.") reflects the enduring curiosity and discomfort surrounding the topic. The question itself acknowledges the age and sensitivity of the issue.

Lovecraft's cat was not just a pet; it was a symbol of a deeply flawed and complex individual. The story of the cat serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that even the most celebrated artists are not immune to the prejudices of their time.

Exploring Lovecraft’s cat name requires understanding the broader societal attitudes of his time. It forces us to confront the uncomfortable reality of widespread racism and to acknowledge the enduring legacy of this prejudice.

The French perspective ("Le chat de lovecraft, qu\u2019il a poss\u00e9d\u00e9 durant son enfance, portait un nom choquant et offensant selon les normes actuelles : Ce nom, bien que refl\u00e9tant tristement les attitudes racistes de son temps, nous force \u00e0 examiner lovecraft non seulement en tant qu\u2019\u00e9crivain, mais aussi en tant que produit de son \u00e9poque.") highlights the importance of examining Lovecraft not only as a writer but also as a product of his time.

Whether you're a fan of Lovecraft's mythos or simply looking for a unique name for your cat, it's crucial to approach the subject with sensitivity and awareness. There are many ways to honor Lovecraft's literary contributions without perpetuating the harm caused by his personal biases.

The Spanish perspective ("Si existe un autor que es conocido por su obsesi\u00f3n totalmente normal con los gatos, ese es h.p. Estos animales hicieron una aparici\u00f3n en m\u00e1s de una de sus obras, siendo los gatos de ulthar la m\u00e1s famosa. Este cuento, adem\u00e1s, pone a los mininos como protagonistas de la historia; Pues la obra se centra en una ley que proh\u00edbe") acknowledges Lovecraft's well-known fondness for cats and their prominent role in his stories, particularly "The Cats of Ulthar." However, this appreciation for felines does not excuse the problematic name he chose for his own pet.

The exploration of Lovecraft's cat name is not just about uncovering a historical fact; it's about engaging in a critical dialogue about race, history, and the enduring legacy of prejudice. It's a conversation that is necessary and ongoing.

What Was The Name Of Hp Lovecraft's Pet Cat?

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HP Lovecraft Has a Catgirl, What Will He Name HEr H.P. Lovecraft's

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