The Unknown Life of Poe: Edgar Allan Poe's Domestic Pets

Edgar Allan Poe's Animal Companions

Imagine Edgar Allan Poe's quiet study, where a middle-aged man with raven black hair and intelligent brown eyes leans on an ancient oak wooden desk under the soothing glow of a lamp. The cat rests on his shoulder, as if she were a literary agent evaluating her client's most recent work. The cat purrs or meows on occasion, and with each pen stroke, its brilliant eyes mirror the spark of inspiration that fuels Edgar's spirit. However, his home does not only include cats. Toby, a devoted dog, stands by Poe's side, providing much-needed companionship in his otherwise lonely life. Edgar, the dog, and the cat share a home together in Baltimore.

Edgar Allan Poe is famous for his fantastical tales, but only a few people know that he had domestic pets that accompanied him throughout his life

 
Poe had multiple pets throughout his life, beginning at an early age. The air in Poe's childhood home was filled with canaries singing delightful tunes that lifted the mood, which had been affected by the passing of his parents. During Poe's time at a private school away from home, he can chuckle as little creatures like rabbits and guinea pigs rush around. Throughout his teens, his favorite parakeet sat in a cage in his chamber, repeating an amusing phrase while Poe wrote his first poems. Every morning at West Point, his favorite horse gives him a loud neigh. However, Poe's affection for animals is not limited to his home. Animals of every form and size decorate the pages of his literary works. Dear reader, please join us as we study Edgar Allan Poe's domestic pets in great detail.

Edgar Allan Poe's domestic pets

While Edgar Allan Poe is famous for his tales of suspense and wonder, his love for animals is less well known. That's unfortunate, because Poe's writings contain numerous references to natural creatures such as ravens, cats, and snakes. Let's examine this topic together.

Poe's relationship with animals would be incomplete without addressing his most famous poem, The Raven. This masterwork includes the titular bird saying 'Nevermore' continuously.

Ravens were visible basically everywhere during Poe's lifetime due to the prevalence of agriculture as the main industry

 
The choice of Raven as the protagonist is not so strange when we realize that in Edgar Allan Poe's time, you would see ravens all over the place because farming was everywhere. These birds basically depended on what farmers were growing and raising. They would gather grains from fields and scavenge leftovers from livestock like pigs and chickens. It wasn't uncommon to see them wandering around farms and fields, looking for any easy meals they could find. It's likely that Poe noticed them a lot as a child, which may explain why he wrote about them so much. You know how it is, birds and farms go hand in hand. And since ravens were practically farm animals back then, they were very familiar and found their way into Poe's stories. They were a part of the daily scenery.

Throughout the 19th century, Americans who transitioned from childhood on farms to adulthood in cities were consistently surrounded by the presence of animals

Ravens have a tendency to be opportunistic feeders, and even if grains aren't their primary food source, they would still scavenge them if they were available. Besides grains, they would also eat other foods such as insects, small mammals, fruits, and carrion. 

Edgar Allan Poe's cats 

Although specifics vary throughout biographies, letters, and personal recollections, Poe's affection for animals—especially his faithful dog and cherished cat—is widely recorded. Poe's peers also provided insight into his relationship with his pets and their significance in his life. In order to provide a comprehensive picture of Poe's household pets, I also consulted historical sources when writing this article.

Cats

Poe has a deep fondness for cats all his life. Cats' aloof yet compassionate nature likely mirrored Poe's own paradoxical persona, earning them a special place in his heart. Cats occur frequently in Poe's stories, notably 'The Black Cat' and 'The Tell-Tale Heart.' 

While in Baltimore, the Edgar Allan Poe household was further enriched by the presence of a domestic cat

Edgar Allan Poe's affection for cats began when he lived in Baltimore with his aunt Maria Clemm and his daughter Virginia Clemm, who would later marry him. According to some legends, Poe had a cat named Catterina (also known as Caterina) which he adored. Caterina is thought to have frequently rested on Poe's shoulder as he wrote. Catterina remained Poe's constant companion during his time in Baltimore. Poe's letters to friends and family were replete with anecdotes about his cat and its naughty behavior.

Poe's cat did not belong to any particular breed. Blended hues like black, orange, and cream resulted in a tortoiseshell cat's distinctive coat pattern. Tortoiseshell cats are not a distinct breed; rather, they are distinguished by their coat pattern, which can appear in a variety of breeds, including domestic short-haired cats. Poe cat most likely belongs to this category of domestic cats rather than a particular breed. It is often believed that tortoiseshell cats have distinct personalities. They are known for being strong-willed, independent, and occasionally snarky. Despite the lack of scientific proof to back up these assertions, many owners of tortoiseshell cats affirm these characteristics. It's worth noting that practically all tortoiseshell cats are female.

The dogs of Edgar Allan Poe 

Poe's personal life has been marked by a love of dogs since childhood. In the nineteenth century, dogs were the most popular household pets among boys. Boys experienced them in both rural and urban settings across nineteenth-century America.

Poe took long walks around Baltimore with Toby. In his letters, Poe lauded Toby's intelligence and occasionally emphasized the dog's positive effect on his mental well-being. Furthermore, the narrator of Poe's 'The Blackwood Farmer' describes the dog's unwavering loyalty as being similar to his own experience with Toby.

According to some sources, Edgar Allan Poe had a loyal dog named Toby

The breed of Edgar Allan Poe's dog Toby is unknown because he provided no specific information about it. Toby is widely believed to be a mix-breed dog rather than a purebred. According to some sources, Toby was a Newfoundland, a breed famed for its exceptional swimming abilities. Newfoundland dogs natural swimming ability, webbed feet, and thick, water-resistant coats make them great swimmers and have a long history of saving people from drowning. Moreover, in Newfoundland, Canada, fishermen bred and trained them to pull fishing nets and rescue people from frigid waters.

 

Their strong swimming abilities and natural affection for water have earned them the nickname 'lifeguards of the sea.' It is worth noting that these gentle giants have saved countless lives, and their courage and loyalty in water rescues have been documented in numerous stories. Newfoundlands are still appreciated as both beloved family pets and search and rescue dogs.

Thomas Holley Chivers, one of Poe's friends, later recounted a moving moment in which Toby mourned at Poe's graveside long after his departure. 

Beyond cats and dogs

Poe had a strong fondness for birds, and he frequently kept canaries and parakeets at home. Canary birds, which originated in the Canary Islands off Africa's northwest coast, became popular pets in Europe beginning in the 15th century and later in America. Throughout the nineteenth century, canaries were the most common caged bird in American houses, and in the Victorian era, they were prized as pets. The upbeat tunes of these bird buddies offered a pleasant diversion from the sometimes gloomy circumstances that encircled Poe's existence. 

Having canaries in the home was highly fashionable in 19th-century America, and Edgar Allan Poe was known to have owned one

Their popularity soared because to their stunning plumage, lyrical singing, and low maintenance requirements. Their beautiful songs fill the dwellings with joy, and they are often portrayed as symbols of harmony, beauty, and love in art. 

Canary birds are known for their legendary singing skills, with a diverse repertoire of melodious tunes and trills that they use primarily to communicate with each other and establish territory. Their song is produced by the syrinx, a vocal organ that is specialized at the base of the trachea and can produce a wide range of pitches and tones. The Waterslager, Roller, and American Singer are among the unique singing breeds created by canary enthusiasts through selective breeding.

Budgerigars, often known as parakeets, became more popular as exotic pets throughout Poe's lifetime. Their colorful plumage and active demeanor make them an appealing companion. The Poes, who were frequently plagued by poor health and financial difficulties, were undoubtedly relieved to have chirping canaries and colorful parakeets in their home.

Furthermore, Poe's fascination with animal sounds was highlighted in 'The Philosophy of Composition', where he thought they had a profound impact on human emotions and creativity. This point of view is supported by his poem 'The Raven,' in which the raven's words underscore this viewpoint.

Horses

Edgar Allan Poe's relationship with horses is less well documented than his fondness for cats and dogs. However, historical sources indicate that Poe had considerable experience with horses. During his military service at West Point, Poe learned how to manage and ride horses. Furthermore, because Poe lived before the advent of automobiles, his travels would almost definitely have required horse transportation. Poe's personal life was marked by financial insecurity and frequent moves, which may have prevented him from owning or caring for horses. Poe probably just borrows them for his travels or hires car riders. As a writer and editor, Poe frequently encountered social situations in which horses, particularly expensive ones, were the topic of conversation. The horse was a status symbol in his time, just as a car is today.

Morgan Horse

Several horse breeds, including the Morgan, were popular in America throughout the nineteenth century. The Morgan horse, named for Vermont professor Justin Morgan, has a rich history in America. This breed descended from a small stallion of unknown lineage who possessed extraordinary power, endurance, and intelligence.

The beauty of American horse breeds such as the Morgan horse is indisputable

 

Morgan horses quickly became known for their adaptability and talent. Their flexibility allowed them to plough fields, pull carriages, move animals, and even serve as cavalry horses during the Civil War. Their sturdy, compact build, expressive eyes, and dignified carriage made them famous among horse enthusiasts.

Morgan horses are distinguished by their elegant yet muscular form, which can reach 14 to 15 hands tall (56 to 60 inches at the shoulder) and their characteristic, proud head stance. Their well-arched necks, muscular backs, and powerful hindquarters help them move quickly and sustain themselves. Morgan horses are known for their beautiful and ground-covering movements, which ensure a smooth and comfortable ride. The Morgan breed was officially recognized in 1909 when the Morgan Horse Club (now the American Morgan Horse Association) was formed, and their beauty and spirit are still valued today.

American Saddlebred

The American Saddlebred, commonly known as the 'Horse America Made', originated in Kentucky at the beginning of the nineteenth century. Selective breeding was carried out using a blend of Thoroughbred, Morgan, and other light horse breeds. The American Saddlebred's popularity grew swiftly because of its dazzling movement and beautiful disposition. As the need for beautiful carriage horses declined due to the introduction of vehicles, the breed moved to the show ring, where it excelled in saddle seat and fine harness.

Edgar Allan Poe encountered several American native horse breeds during his lifetime, such as the elegant American Saddlebred

Long, arched necks, well-defined withers, muscular shoulders, and high-set tails are hallmarks of American saddlebreds. Their head carriage is naturally elevated, and they have three unique gaits: walk, trot, and canter. In addition, they are taught two artificial gaits: the slow gait and the rack. Even today, in the show ring, American Saddlebreds demonstrate their agility, grace, and elegance in a variety of disciplines, including saddle seat equitation, pleasure driving, and exquisite fine harness. The American Saddlebred Registry was founded in 1891 to preserve and promote the breed's heritage, and the American Saddlebred remains popular among enthusiasts due to its beauty, adaptability, and distinct gaits. It is an essential component of American history and culture.

Animals in Poe's Literary Works

Throughout his literary career, Edgar Allan Poe frequently used animals in his work. The Raven and 'The Black Cat' are both well-known examples of this. Animals play a crucial role in driving the plot along in his lesser-known works such as "The Gold-Bug" and "The Mystery in the Rue Morgue." The scarab beetle is essential in solving the mystery of Captain Kidd's buried wealth in 'The Gold Bug'. In 'The Mystery in the Rue Morgue,' the central character is an orangutan.

Edgar Allan Poe was one of the first authors to include orangutans as characters in his stories

 
Although monkeys are not as common as cats or dogs in Poe's works, they do appear in a number of major scenes. Poe's short story 'The Mystery in the Rue Morgue' features an orangutan. Poe emphasizes the need of unity of impact in literary works in his essay 'The Philosophy of Composition', citing monkey poetry as an example. Poe was certainly interested in monkeys, though his contacts with them were probably less direct than with dogs and cats. Poe's depiction of monkeys could have been influenced by his experiences with traveling circuses in the nineteenth century United States.

As demonstrated by the numerous examples of animal characters in Poe's works, the presence of animals enhanced Poe's life and even provided him with artistic inspiration. Furthermore, Animals in the Life and Work of Poe reveals the softer and more intimate side of Poe to us.