MEET GATSBY A CAT COVERED IN HUNDREDS OF FUR STARS, ALSO KNOWN AS THE “GALAXY KITTY”
The "Galaxy Kitty," Gatsby, has a meow-teor shower of stars in his fur. Vitiligo, a rare medical disease that causes patches of white fur to emerge over time, is the reason for his cosmic markings. Greg Murray, a pet photographer, was immediately motivated to take pictures of the eye-catching cat after he first saw Gatsby's brilliant appearance on Instagram. After he made contact with Gatsby's human, Jean Noyes, the handsome feline is now the focus of his own Gatsby the Galaxy Kitty calendar, which aims to generate money for rescue animals.
Gatsby was born as a tuxedo kitten, but at around 7 months old, he started developing distinctive white patches. After adopting him as a kitten, Jean Noyes started sharing his metamorphosis on social media, where Gatsby soon amassed a sizable fan base. Murray says to My Modern Met, "It was an honour to meet such a special rescue cat like Gatsby." Even though he was already well-known on social media, it was still pleasant to show his pictures to those who were unfamiliar with him.
When Murray approached Noyes about the idea, she immediately accepted and even made the long drive to Cleveland to make it happen. Murray is based in Cleveland, and he assumed he would never get the chance to photograph the unique feline because Gatsby and Noyes lived in Iowa.
The photoshoot was a success, but it took time to get the perfect shots. “Photographing cats isn't the easiest,” admits Murray. “Unlike dogs, who tend to be easier in the studio, cats spend much of their time in one place and can be nervous in new environments. We spent much of the day together and Gatsby got more comfortable as time went on.” The final series of calendar images showcase Gatsby’s amazing markings from head to tail, but they also capture his sweet personality.
Gatsby's inner brilliance is equally as radiant as his outward attractiveness. Gatsby has been a constant source of solace and company for Noyes throughout a trying time in her life since the day he was adopted. "Meeting Jean in person and learning more about her story and how Gatsby has positively impacted her life made the photo session even more memorable," Murray tells us.
Murray thinks that by highlighting and appreciating Gatsby's vitiligo, the images will provide those who suffer with the same illness a sense of empowerment, understanding, and visibility. He explains, “When a person sees their reflection in an animal—especially one that’s celebrated for its uniqueness—it can create an emotional connection and help them feel less alone, knowing that their difference exists in other beautiful living beings too.”
A percentage of the Gatsby the Galaxy Kitty calendar's sales will benefit Cleveland's Neighbourhood Pets Outreach & Resource Centre, which provides reasonably priced veterinarian treatment. Another portion will go to a comparable nonprofit in Red Oak, Iowa, which is close to Noyes' hometown. For pet owners with low incomes, these facilities offer necessary procedures including spaying, neutering, and immunisations.