Cats — George and Gilbert

Cats

Giorgio, November 2023

George under one of the household's many nicknames. Same cat, same composure. Slightly more Italian.

Eleven late-November photographs. Both cats indoors. Both cats committed to the heating. The autumn programme is standard.

Gilbert & George chilling on the bed

George Snuggles up to Gilbert

George and Gilbert asleep on the white patterned blanket: ginger and tabby, peaceful. The household, briefly, silent.

Gilbert on an outdoor cushion, tabby and white, the cloudy sky overhead. The cushion is warm despite the weather. The tabby is committed.

A retrospective lean towards Gilbert, across the seasons — indoors, garden, sleeping and not. The tabby has, for years, been doing his own thing.

Eight photographs of the brothers asleep on the white bed: ginger and tabby in close formation. Mid-summer afternoon, fully booked.

Gilbert resting on the scratching pad, tabby and white, a red rose in frame. The flower is symbolic. The cat is unimpressed.

George curled tight, paws over the face, blocking out the daylight. Two photographs of total opt-out.

Gilbert looking up at an extended finger: green eyes, white chest. Engagement formal. Reciprocity not yet decided.

Seven photographs as 2022 winds down. George on the rumpled white bed, ginger and content. Gilbert holds the kitchen brief. The year-end pace.