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When Gwen Cooper first brought home a tiny blind kitten that nobody else wanted, she never imagined he would become a New York Times bestselling author in his own right—or inspire hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
That kitten was Homer.
More than 15 years after Homer’s Odyssey was first published, Homer’s story continues to touch readers, encourage shelter adoptions, and challenge misconceptions about special-abled pets. While Homer’s legacy remains at the heart of Gwen’s work, these days her home is shared with two very different feline companions—Clayton, an endlessly affectionate tripod, and Fanny, a quiet athlete with a nightly ritual that never fails.
We caught up with Gwen about Homer’s incredible journey, her latest books, life with Clayton and Fanny, and why she believes people should stop seeing disability before they see the cat.
One Tiny Blind Kitten Changed Everything
Like so many life-changing stories, this one began with a phone call.
Gwen’s veterinarian had an abandoned kitten in need of a home. He was only around three weeks old, completely blind, and nobody wanted him.
That spark became Homer’s Odyssey, a memoir that went on to become a New York Times bestseller, was translated into more than two dozen languages, and introduced millions of readers to one fearless little cat. Even now, Gwen admits that success still feels a little surreal.
More Than a Bestseller
For Gwen, the lasting success of Homer’s Odyssey has never really been about publishing milestones.
Instead, she believes readers connected with something much deeper.
Those connections continue today.
It’s difficult to think of a more meaningful legacy than that.
Giving Homer a Second Life
While Homer’s real-life story has already inspired readers around the world, Gwen recently decided to imagine a whole new adventure for him.
Her latest series, Homer Whodunit, sees the famous feline solving murders on 1990s Miami Beach using the extraordinary senses that made him so remarkable in real life.
Although stepping into mystery writing felt intimidating at first, Gwen says it quickly became the most enjoyable writing experience of her career.
Meet Gwen’s Current Co-Workers
These days, Homer’s successors keep Gwen just as busy.
Clayton and Fanny, a bonded pair of black littermates, joined the family after Homer lost his older feline companions. Gwen hoped bringing home two kittens would give Homer company without overwhelming him—and it proved to be the perfect decision.
Clayton, who has three legs, has never let that slow him down.
He also happens to be obsessed with fetch.
Fanny’s personality is a little quieter, but no less charming.
Every morning, Gwen finds a treasured toy rat waiting patiently on her desk chair. Every evening, it mysteriously appears on her pillow.
It’s all part of a daily routine that sounds like something many cat lovers will recognise.
The Biggest Misconception About Special-Abled Cats
After living with both a blind cat and a tripod, Gwen has heard just about every misconception imaginable.
The biggest one?
That life with a special-abled pet must be difficult.
Each of her cats has also taught her something different.
Homer taught her courage. Scarlett, her first cat, taught her to love on someone else’s terms. And Clayton reminded her that adaptation isn’t about loss.
Building a Community Around Compassion
Although Gwen has become well known for advocating for special-abled cats, she’s quick to point out that rescue isn’t something separate from her work—it’s woven into everything she does.
From donating a portion of shop sales to supporting organisations like Blind Cat Rescue and Sanctuary and Kabul Small Animal Rescue, she’s passionate about helping the people doing the difficult, often unseen work of saving animals.
But if she could give readers one piece of advice, it would be surprisingly simple.
“Adopt the Cat, Not the Disability”
If there’s one message Gwen hopes readers take away from Homer’s story—and from meeting Clayton and Fanny—it’s that disability shouldn’t define an animal.
And perhaps her most powerful reminder is one every potential adopter should hear.
After reading Homer’s story—and getting to know Clayton and Fanny—we’d have to agree.
Quickfire With Gwen
Describe Clayton and Fanny in three words.
Clayton: Stubborn, affectionate, mushy.
Fanny: Sweet, girlie, athletic.
Who’s really in charge?
Favourite activity together?
Keep Up With Gwen
You can learn more about Gwen, her books, and her feline adventures at gwencooper.com, visit her shop at shop.gwencooper.com, or follow her on Facebook (@homerblindcatfans), Instagram, and TikTok (@homerblindcat).
