2024 National Cat Lady Day Gallery: Meet Reston's Revered Felines

RESTON, 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 Reston to share photos of the felines they adore for this photo gallery.

My name is Basma and this is Luna (long haired) and Aya. Luna is 5 and Aya is 2 years old. These tuxedo cats love hanging outside (supervised) on our back yard deck in the warmer weather! —Basma Masood, Reston

Mini (grey tabby) is a 12 year old girl who is learning to tolerate her new brother, 5 year old Kimchi (orange and white). Their hobbies include napping, eating, and bird watching. — Maryann Keith, Reston

This is Chloe, a 9 year old Siberian cat. She has long, thick fur, is very friendly and has a dog like personality, which is expected of a Siberian cat. — Camille Roy, Reston

My cat Mia — Lisa Hoy, Reston

This is Azraak Azul - a Siamese cat who was forever a kitten , smart, clever and affectionate. Had me wrapped around his little fingers. Best live-in boyfriend ever. — Julia Scoville, Reston

Willy (my cat) and I have been together for 12 years now, I found him in a litter of barn cats, he was the only one with the light grey/gold eyes. I'd never seen a cat like that so I brought him home. He's an awesome cat. Super smart, and friendly. He greets any visitors at the door ... also a very vocal cat — Jessica Seiss, Reston

This is George (flame point Himalayan) and his brother, Oliver (blue point Himalayan). They’re 13. George is a crazy cat with a huge personality, and Oliver is my loyal kitty, who follows me around the house like a puppy-dog. We live in Reston (I’ve been here for 22 years). — Michele Silver, Reston

Here are some pics of my babies, Shalvey and Louie! Shalvey is a Ragdoll and Louie is a short domestic breed. — Monica Frishman, Reston

This is Elly and she is intent on catching a fly in this picture. Elly was a rescue cat for me three years ago. She is now eight years old. Elly is a big comfort for me as I recently had to admit my husband into assisted living. Elly and I talk to each other a lot every day. We live in Potomac Falls. We also have a cat gathering here in our community. — Linda Childs, Reston

Fred and Ginger — Lori Schmitz, Reston

Oatmeal is commonly referred to as “Kitty” and has boundless energy. She runs laps around the house, does kitty parkour, and loves playing with hair ties (which she will steal off mom’s bedside table). She is also known for her playful sneak attacks. — Megan Myers, Reston

Sisters adopted from Fancy Cats as kittens. They just turned 15! — Laura Cleveland, Reston

My name is Rachel, and this is my cat Vivian. Despite her small size and age (11 yrs old), she is just as spunky and feisty as ever. I am truly greatful for every day she is with me still. 3 years ago, she was diagnosed with small cell lymphoma and Pancreatitis. Thanks to the lovely team at Just Cats Clinic here in Reston, they saw Vivian when no one else would and could tell she had fight left in her. Several surgeries, a feeding tube through her neck, and tons of medication later, she remains in remission! Black cats must just be lucky. — Rachel H, Reston

My beautiful Siberian cat Chloe — Camille Roy, Reston

Ricky is 16 — Jodi Pasette, Reston

My name is Ann Wang Pierce and I live in Reston VA with my husband, two kids and two fur babies. The fur babies’ names are BJ and Salsa and they are three years old.