The music icon David Bowie passed away Jan. 10 after a long battle with cancer. The London-born musician was famed for his innovative and experimental approach to songwriting, and his androgynous fashion sense. It also seems he endeared himself to the cat community, with tributes already starting to take form under the Instagram hashtag BowieCats.
Here’s a roundup of how cats and cat owners are paying homage to Bowie and his music.
A man of the cats
Was David Bowie a cat person? Damn right he was — at least if recording the track “Cat People (Putting Out Fire)” back in 1982 is anything to go by. The song was cut in tandem with Italian synth maestro Giorgio Moroder and soundtracked the 1982 film of the same name.
A cat insane
Aladdin Sane (intentional pun: A Lad Insane) was one of Bowie’s well-known alter egos. The character’s distinctive lightning bolt make-up has quickly been endorsed by fashion forward felines as a way to homage Bowie’s art. This yellow-eyed white chap is one of the most striking examples of the trend.
It ain’t easy
Of course, for those cats who don’t want to dip into the dye for their Aladdin Sane kicks, alternative homemade solutions are available.
Lady Stardust
Hey, even the cat world’s most notable curmudgeon is getting in on the Bowie tribute party — at least in illustrated form.
A permanent reminder
This cat-crazed human has taken their Bowie love into overdrive with a tattoo that mashes up Aladdin Sane with the ubiquitous Hello Kitty. Don’t try this at home, kids. Seriously.
Major Tom Cat
Naturally, fan art mixing up Bowie iconography with felines has already started to hit the Instagram circuit. I’m particularly fond of this natty illustration. There’s a ground control to Major Tom (cat) pun to be had, too.
The Man Who Fell to Earth
Bowie made his big screen bow in the 1976 sci-fi flick The Man Who Fell To Earth (based on the novel from 1963). Our cow cat pal is about to revisit the moment here — well, once he’s done with his selfie duties.
Wild-eyed kitty
Here we have the charming Ms. Audrey demonstrating the greatest way to pay respect to Bowie — by revisiting the man’s timeless music. The vibrant picture disc without doubt adds to her listening pleasure.
About the author: Phillip Mlynar writes about cats, music, food, and sometimes a mix of all three. He considers himself the world’s foremost expert on rappers’ cats.
