Let’s Chat: Lessons from cats – Part 2

By Linda Tooth on November 5, 2025.

As you might recall, I wrote last week on the first six chapters of Stewart “Brittlestar” Reynold’s book Lessons from Cats for Surviving Fascism. Today I would like to share with you the remaining five chapters.

Chapter seven is all about using your cuteness as an advantage. The chapter starts off by telling the reader that “cats are cunning little masterminds.” No truer words have ever been spoken or written.

Cats are very cunning when they are in trouble and all it takes is a slight tilt of their head and their eyes connecting with yours to melt even the slightest bit of annoyance you may have toward them.

Fascists, according to Reynolds, are defenceless against that kind of charm. If you are in the company of a fascist, try tilting your head and making eye contact with them. Let me know how that works out.

The next chapter is all about taking over spaces that are not yours. All cat owners know that cats do not ask permission when taking over a space, they just do it. Dining room tables, open newspapers, empty boxes, the dog’s bed, laundry baskets, a laptop computer, you get the picture. The world is their oyster.

Fascists view their space as powerful and when someone takes that over they are fumbling to try and reclaim it.

So, what does Reynolds believe people should do when trying to survive fascism? How about claiming your space with confidence? Fascists want people to stay in their assigned lane and when people deviate from that, they are left fumbling and speechless.

Chapter nine is about keeping your claws sharp. How many cat owners right now are in pain because their cat’s claws have come in contact with their skin?

I get phone calls from two families asking if I can come over and clip their cats nails because they have bandaids all over to stop their bleeding … but I digress.

OK, we know that cats are not afraid to use their claws. Fascists are afraid and unprepared for any type of resistance they encounter. So those living in a fascist environment need to stay sharp, stay informed and prepared.

Chapter 10 and probably my all-time favourite is about remembering who is the boss, and I am not talking about the 80s TV show starring Tony Danza. Cats are in charge and they rule every house I have ever been to.

Reynolds believes that fascists are insecure and what fuels them is trying to make everyone around them feel small. They want you to think they are the boss. So, what can you do? Walk with dignity like a cat does, believe in your own authority, and “become the kind of quiet revolution that no fascist can ever extinguish.”

How do we wrap up this little 54-page gem of knowledge? Chapter 11 tells us to look after our pride. Some people may think cats are lone creatures, but if you spend time with them you know they are about community.

Whether it is feral cats living together in a community or multiple cats living together in a home, cats will groom each other, make sure everyone gets enough food, and will even share their space in a bed flooded with an incredible sunbeam.

Fascists, on the other hand, want everyone to be isolated and pitted against each other. So let us all channel our inner-cat and care about each other. Fascists will not stand a chance.

Have a Meowtastic Day and keep reading!

Linda Tooth is a philanthropy and youth support worker, YMCA of Southeastern Alberta