2024 National Cat Lady Day Gallery: Meet McLean's Beloved Felines

MCLEAN, VA — A "cat lady" is a "woman who has a lot of cats, especially a woman who lives alone and is considered to be slightly strange," according to the Cambridge Dictionary.

Although some people may take offense at that characterization, the dictionary also classifies the term as "humorous," which is likely why most of the cat ladies out there seem to embrace the title. If it's "slightly strange" to have a big heart and affection for cats of all shapes, sizes, ages, temperaments and fur colors, so be it.

Friday was National Cat Lady Day. To celebrate the occasion, Patch invited all the cat ladies in McLean to share photos of the felines they adore for this photo gallery.

My cat loves the MCA budget resolution. — Louise Epstein, McLean

This is Winnfred T. "Winnie" Feldman and her cat mom Sunny. Winnie is a champion bunny kicker! — Steve Feldman, McLean

Tilly is our diva cat. She's a little neurotic and loves our youngest best. She's so smart she knows math, leaving her toy "presents" for us in geometric shapes. — Helen Miller, McLean

This is my cat, Ruby. She’s 10 years old and was born without a tail (she has a small tail - we call it a joystick). She’s still super playful - loves to play on the steps with my husband. She’s a super sweet cat! And as you can see from this photo, she loves her porcelain pig!! — Penny L. Eastman, McLean

Four year old Koko(left) and Loki are Siberian half brothers- 4 months apart ( Loki older) share the same father with different mothers. They love their cat tree and each other. They bring me joy living up to their namesake- Loki Norse god of mischief and Kokopelli ( Koko) the Indian god of trickery !! They love amazingly chill right now !— Sandi Woznitski, McLean

"My little Kitty, Miss Lia." — Pat Raffaele, Falls Church

This is Pepper. He’s 3 years old and likes to play a little too much. Here he can be seen taking liberties with a Christmas tree ornament. — Dave Clarke, McLean

Our cat and dog are best friends! They enjoy relaxing side by side on a sunny day! — S Keshavarz, McLean

My name is Linda Zarow. I live in the Merrifield area. My cat's name is Isabella. She is a year and 6 mos. She is energetic, adorable, loves to play. She is the most affectionate I have ever had. She is also funny and loves her belly scratched.

Me and my new kittens, Colby and Jack …. Get it ! — Angie Kelloff, McLean

These are my adopted cats from Quatar. They are brother and sister, Jack and Sparrow. We named them with a nod to Johnny Depp’s character, as he was in town for a trial when they arrived. Jack has attitude! Sparrow looks like a winking pirate. (She lost one eye due to an infection). They are wonderful, loving companions. — Lesley Morse, Vienna