10 Historical Figures Famous for Their Love of Dogs and 10 Others Who Preferred Cats

Frederick the Great was renowned for his devotion to his Italian greyhounds, which he regarded as loyal companions rather than mere decorative pets. Legend and historical accounts often mention that he even wished to be buried near them at Sanssouci.

Queen Victoria’s spaniel, Dash, is remembered as her beloved childhood companion, and his story is so well known that it has been the subject of numerous writings. Dash was not just a cute little detail in her life; he was part of her emotional world during her childhood and played an important role in the future queen’s development.

Byron made no secret of his affection for his Newfoundland dog, Boatswain. When the dog contracted rabies, Byron cared for him himself until the very end. Deeply affected by his death, Byron wrote “Epitaph for a Dog” in his memory and had a large, elaborate tomb erected for him at Newstead Abbey.

George Washington’s relationship with dogs was more than just a hobby. He owned more than 30 dogs at Mount Vernon and even took up dog breeding, playing a key role in the development of the American Foxhound breed. He was also known for his creativity in naming his dogs; Mopsey, Countess, and Ragman are just a few examples.

The Roosevelt family was known for having many pets in their home, and their dogs played an important role in their history. The National Park Service mentions several of the Roosevelt family’s dogs by name, which shows just how central they were to the family tradition. When a president’s family life is marked by so much canine chaos, a reputation as a dog lover speaks for itself.

FDR’s Scottish Terrier, Fala, became so famous that he became a public figure in his own right. He traveled with Roosevelt, appeared in the media, and was later even featured in a commemorative sculpture alongside his owner.

Queen Elizabeth II’s love for corgis has become one of the most recognizable personal aspects of her public image. Articles about her long-standing tradition with corgis describe decades of breeding and how this breed has become inextricably linked to her identity.

Helen Keller regarded her dogs as indispensable and loyal companions who provided her with comfort and unconditional love throughout her life. During a trip to Japan, she received an Akita puppy as a gift, which she brought home with her, thereby introducing the breed to the United States.

Jofi, Freud’s Chow Chow, wasn’t just a pet in the background—she became an integral part of his daily life. He used his dogs, including Jofi, as therapy assistants during sessions with his patients, convinced that they had a calming effect.

Darwin had dogs throughout his life and never hesitated to observe them closely. The Darwin Correspondence Project notes that he had many dogs and treated them as companions both at home and in the field. His favorite dog was a fox terrier named Polly.

Now that we’ve introduced the historical figures famous for their love of dogs, let’s talk about those who loved cats.

A self-proclaimed cat lover, Hemingway was known to have had more than 50 cats at his Finca Vigía estate in Cuba. Today, his cats are so famous that they have become a major tourist attraction. The Hemingway Home & Museum tells the story of how he came to own a polydactyl cat and how its descendants still live on the property.

Mark Twain didn’t just love cats; he spoke of them as if they were clearly superior companions. Smithsonian magazine discusses his many cats and their colorful names. He wrote this famous line: “When a man loves cats, I am his friend and comrade, without further ado.”

Churchill is often remembered as a bulldog, but he was also very fond of cats. The International Churchill Society mentions cats such as Mickey, Tango, and Nelson as part of his world. This reminds us that even in difficult times, he knew how to find comfort in these little furballs.

Tesla’s affection for a cat from his childhood named Macak is often recounted, as it links his emotions to his curiosity about electricity. The story goes that petting Macak and seeing static sparks helped spark his fascination with electrical phenomena.

Richelieu’s reputation as a cat lover has endured for centuries, which is impressive for a man best known for his political career and power. Modern historical works continue to mention his 14 pet cats as a recognizable aspect of his personal life and public image. Even intimidating public figures have a soft spot for these cuddly companions.

When someone writes an entire collection of poems about cats, one can assume that this preference is genuine. Eliot’s book, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, enjoyed immense cultural success long after its publication, earning him a reputation as a great cat lover. You don’t create that many feline legends without being truly fascinated by these animals.

Poe’s life already seems bathed in a dramatic light, and then you add a cat named Catterina to the mix. Scholarly writings recount anecdotes in which Poe would read aloud while Catterina purred by his side. It’s a small, domestic detail that makes him seem less like a haunted figure and more like a real person.

Dickens had a cat named Bob, and Bob’s story has been remembered because it is strangely unique. Accounts say that Dickens preserved Bob in an unusual way after the cat’s death—a gesture that is either deeply sentimental or deeply Victorian, depending on your point of view. In any case, it’s hard to claim that he was indifferent to cats.

The French novelist Colette was openly passionate about cats, which she regarded as much more than mere pets in her life and work. Accounts of her life describe her as a devoted cat lover who even attended cat shows in Paris with genuine enthusiasm.

Lincoln’s reputation as a cat lover is evident in the many anecdotes about the White House cats, Tabby and Dixie. He is said to have been the first U.S. president to bring cats to the White House, and his wife is even reported to have said that his favorite pastime was “cats.”