Because Holly refuses to admit that she’s emotionally connected to it, the nameless cat that she finds and takes into her home epitomizes her unwillingness to attach herself to her current life. Throughout the novella, Holly emphasizes that neither she nor the cat “belong” to each other, wanting everyone to know that she and the animal are both fiercely independent. In keeping with this mindset, she forces the cat to run away on the streets of Spanish Harlem just before she flees the country, ultimately trying to prove to herself that it will be easy to part with the most important aspects of her life in the United States. However, Holly immediately regrets this decision, realizing after driving several blocks that she and the cat truly did have a meaningful connection and that just because she never named the animal doesn’t mean she wasn’t emotionally attached to it. In turn, the cat represents the fact that people inevitably become connected to elements of their lives without even realizing it, since it’s nearly impossible not to form emotional relationships while going through everyday life—no matter what kind of existence a person leads.
The Cat Quotes in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
“Rusty thinks I should smoke marijuana, and I did for a while, but it only makes me giggle. What I’ve found does the most good is just to get into a taxi and go to Tiffany’s. It calms me down right away, the quietness and the proud look of it; nothing very bad could happen to you there, not with those kind men in their nice suits, and that lovely smell of silver and alligator wallets. If I could find a real-life place that made me feel like Tiffany’s, then I’d buy some furniture and give the cat a name.”
Flanked by potted plants and framed by clean lace curtains, he was seated in the window of a warm-looking room: I wondered what his name was, for I was certain he had one now, certain he’d arrived somewhere he belonged. African hut or whatever, I hope Holly has, too.
The Cat Symbol Timeline in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
