#tantomile x demeter

[munkustance]

*cough* Tantometer *cough*

[real-reulbbr-band]

Have y’all considered Tantomile giving Demeter forehead kisses?

Cause I have.

I am.

[pinksilvace]

Fern guides their mutuals and followers through Cats 1998 as if we're all sitting on the same couch watching it and I'm shouting out stuff (2/?)

MASTERPOST

Character Wiki Pages

This time around, we're getting to some of the character songs!!! Jennyanydots and RTT ahead:

5: The Old Gumbie Cat

Okay, first off, I'm obsessed with the staging here... literally every kitten and kitten-adjacent character is paying attention (Plato and Bill Bailey are in the back upper-left of this shot) and then you've just got. Alonzo and Cassandra. Two characters that famously do not care about some other members of the cast. Why is this so funny

These faces also get me every time... the perfect image of bewilderment and regret

Anyway, this is another example of the kitten characters literally being lower than the others. Coricopat and Tantomile's ages and how they're presented tend to vary wildly from production to production (they kind of do their own thing), but aside from them, I think the only adult cats on the ground are the aforementioned Alonzo (who's there because of Munkustrap), Cassandra (who's there because of Alonzo), and Asparagus, though the camera notably never focuses on any of them. Everybody else is either standing or elevated à la Bombalurina, Demeter, Skimbleshanks, and Jellylorum.

One of my absolute favorite things about Munkustrap across productions is how he moves. He and Skimbleshanks come to mind as the cats with the most distinct affects (aside from examples like Tugger, who has clearly manufactured his mannerisms to an extent). I'm not sure what to call the aesthetic of this motion, but I'm obsessed with it.

And, gosh, Michael Gruber's voice is heavenly.

Skimble's cute little gesturing at her!!! Even when I was little, I was under the impression that these cats would get along. I don't know if it was because of the character acting, the fact they're both ginger tabbies, their similar ways of directing folks around, or what, but I've never seen a version of Skimble and Jenny that I didn't think would get along. It's no wonder they're so commonly shipped.

These are all (female) kitten characters playing the role of the mice, which brings us to one of the biggest questions anybody who gives this show too much thought will ask: what is the Jellicle Ball? Obviously, there's a number named that later on, but is it just a dance number, or is it the entire show?

I tend to see and agree with the interpretation that the Ball takes place over the course of the whole show, as Jellicle cats of every kind are invited and encouraged to attend. If not, then I think it would be a bit surprising to see so many cats with collars - and, we can infer, owners - showing up this early, even if the goal is to be there before Old Deuteronomy.

In that case, we reach the question related to this segment: what does this look like from the cats' side of things? I'd always thought of it as the classic "when there's too much [x] for words, you sing" principle of musical theater, wherein songs are used for emphasis and the things that happen during songs are either not literal or heavily exaggerated, but I know some folks also think of each number in Cats as a rehearsed piece, which is canonically the case for one of them.

Realistically - as much as any of this can be considered realistic - I imagine it as a combination of the two. Jenny and Skimble's numbers might very well be rehearsed. Tugger's probably isn't.

The fact that the mice are all portrayed by female kittens, which is a relatively specific demographic of the characters, makes me think (story-wise, not practicality-wise) they were specifically chosen for the roles of the mice.

The way Skimble copies Jenny's movements here reminds me HEAVILY of how Tugger copies Mistoffelees' movements during his number at the end of the show... alright alright I'm getting on board with this one

A few things with this bit:

1 - Pouncival is reprimanded #1

2 - I love that '98 used actors generally representative of the characters' ages. A lot of casts - post-revival US casts specifically come to mind - tend to have Jennys and Jellys that seem exponentially younger than the ones portrayed here, and with a title like "The Old Gumbie Cat," there's an expectation that Jenny, at least, should have a sense of age about her. This isn't a dig at other casts or anything - those actors still do a phenomenal job - I just really like this presentation.

3 - I've posted about this in short spurts before, but this song/poem might just be my favorite to analyze. I wrote my first-ever college essay about Jennyanydots. Part of what makes me love it so much is how much meaningful exposition it gives, but it's also one of the more prominent examples of Eliot's bigotry seeping into his poetry, and an example of how the staging of Cats actually reduces it.

I'm far from the first to point any of this out and I am far from an expert, but let's dig into some lyrics:

She is deeply concerned with the ways of the mice— Their behaviour's not good and their manners not nice; So when she has got them lined up on the matting, She teaches them music, crocheting and tatting.

To address the behavioral issues of the mice, Jenny introduces hobbies to them - namely, music, crocheting, and tatting (another sort of fiber art relating to lace creation). An argument can be made over the practical labor of crocheting and tatting, but music is often associated with leisure - time away from work, or time spent performing for the leisure of other people.

Depending on how one looks at this, this passage could point in two directions. These skills could have been used to familiarize the mice with work commonly associated with being dainty and ladylike, with the hope the mice would become much the same. They could have also been introduced as a way for the mice to perform highly detail-oriented work for somebody of higher standing: Jenny herself. Either way, this passage rings with a mildly classist tone.

As she finds that the mice will not ever keep quiet, She is sure it is due to irregular diet; And believing that nothing is done without trying, She sets right to work with her baking and frying.

This one is a bit more straightforward. The wording "irregular diet" implies, to me, that access to food (and/or "good" food) is the problem here, i.e. lack of access to food prevents the mice from holding a sense of propriety about them. While these lyrics do not make a judgement about that, they do potentially make an association between food insecurity and unruliness, which, again, rings with classism.

She thinks that the cockroaches just need employment To prevent them from idle and wanton destroyment. So she's formed, from that lot of disorderly louts, A troop of well-disciplined helpful boy-scouts, With a purpose in life and a good deed to do— And she's even created a Beetles' Tattoo.

The first two lines from this verse are extraordinarily direct; I don't think I have to explain how the idea of "going to work and getting a job will prevent unruly tendencies" is rooted in bigotry. What makes this bit even more specific is the last line about the Beetles' Tattoo. For those unfamiliar, I'm fairly certain this is the kind of tattoo this line references:

So, not only does the Jennyanydots of the poem seek out employment opportunities for the cockroaches; she does so with what can be interpreted as militaristic intent, thinking it will give them "a purpose in life."

I don't really feel like going into how all of this connects to ideas irl, but you get the gist. So, how does Cats make all of this better?

It plays everything completely straight.

No, seriously.

The troubling bits of Eliot's original poetry come through, in large part, the use of metaphor; in Cats, the cats are actually cats, the mice are actually mice, and the cockroaches are actually cockroaches. All of these characters are literally different species at different spots on the food chain, but that's not the best part.

The best part is that the mice are portrayed by the female kittens and the cockroaches are represented, principally, by the male kittens. Rather than mice or cockroaches, this performance can be used to represent how Jennyanydots corrects the behavior of unruly little girls and unruly little boys. Combined with other lines from the poems and alternate productions, such as those about her cooking for the mice, she becomes much more of a maternal figure.

What about the Beetles' tattoo?

That's the name of the tap number. That's all.

Yes, many of these implications remain in the lyrics, but it just goes to show how important careful staging is and what a difference it can make. Isn't it just so cool?

First-time viewers may be thrown off by the cuts in this number. The original VHS release couldn't handle a very long runtime, so this is the compromise :(.

I've always loved this little lean Cassandra does.

Pouncival is reprimanded #2

6: The Rum Tum Tugger

YOU NEED TO KNOW THAT THIS MAN IS JOHN PARTRIDGE. YOU NEED TO SEE HOW GREAT HE IS. I WANT YOU TO KNOW THAT HE PERFORMED IN CATS FROM 1989 TO 2005. AT AGE 18 HE EARNED THE ROLE OF ALONZO, THE DANCE CAPTAIN, IN THE ORIGINAL UK TOUR.

I've never seen another Tugger move quite like him.

I'm pretty sure Pouncival is the one doing the backflip here

AGAIN. I LOVE THAT THIS JENNY HAS SOME AGE TO HER. I LIKE THAT SHE WALKS HUNCHED. I LIKE THAT MUNKUSTRAP IS HELPING HER UP.

For fic reasons, I've previously had to keep track of Pouncival during this song, and if I have to know that he disappears between these shots, so do you.

Also, I'm not adding images for it because I'm running out, but the amount of wingmanning Plato does in this number is unreal.

This is the part where, were I actually sitting on a couch with my non-Cats mutuals watching this, I would look over at all of your faces to see your reactions to somebody treating the Rum Tum Tugger like this. Usually, nobody cares :(

^^^This is my second-favorite bit of choreography in the number. The idea of Tugger intentionally tripping up Pouncival and Tumblebrutus just to mess with them is really funny to me. He's literally playing around with the kids. Why do I never see anybody talk about this

^ This is my favorite bit of choreography in this number because nobody I show this to, whether they enjoy the experience or not, ever forgets it.

They

And the little sequence of looks they do...

Welcome to my favorite character detail in this number. "Is it-" yeah it's alonzo catsthemusical. We're talking about him again. My friends are tired of hearing me point this out every single time but I LOVEEEE that the characters rubbed the wrong way by Tugger are the older cats, who are sitting at the back of the stage, Munkustrap, who is standing in the back because Tugger is his cringe middle schooler brother, and Alonzo, who is as far away from and above the front of the stage as possible without physically falling off the set.

I love when Tugger hates him back. I love when Tugger doesn't acknowledge him whatsoever because he doesn't think about him whatsoever. Bonus points for monochromatic siblings enjoyers, since Alonzo here then gets to take on the perspective of "my bestie's cringe middle schooler brother is dating my middle schooler brother and it sucks." There's no losing here.

These two are literally me. Ignore the crotch. Sometimes I think about getting a cat and then I remember "I'll leap on your lap in the middle of your sewing" and I'm like haha yeah no... no can do sir...

THE THOUGHTFULNESS THIS SHOT GIVES TUGGER!!! I know he'd normally be going through the audience but the fact the director said "hey what if Demeter is having a Moment and this curious cat snaps her out of it" is mwah. Chef's kiss

yeah.

Literally, how did I ever watch this number without paying attention to Pouncival

I no longer have picture privileges but there's also a little detail near the end here where Tumblebrutus nudges Skimble and Asparagus to make sure they're paying attention. These two kittens <3 <3 <3

[junkyard-gifs]

The cast of Il Sistina Cats, 2023! (x)

Deuteronomy: Fabrizio Corucci Munkustrap: Sergio Giacomelli Rum Tum Tugger: Giorgio Adamo Gus: Fabrizio Angelini Macavity: Simone Nocerino Mistoffelees: Pierpaolo Scida Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer: Simone Ragozzino and Rosella Lubrino Bombalurina: Giorgia Cino Demeter: Viviana Salvo Jellylorum: Natalía Scarpolini Jennyanydots: Martina Peruzzi Jemima: Alessandra Somma Bustopher: Jacopo Pelliccia Coricopat: Michele Balzano Tantomile: Elga Martino Cassandra: Gaia Soprano Victoria: Monika Lepistö Alonzo: Simone Giovannini Bill Bailey: Gabriele Aulisio Electra: Rossana Vassallo George: Mario de Marzo Etcetera: Cristina La Gioia Quaxo: Gianluca Sillabub: Francesca Iannì Grizabella: Chiara Canzian

Bonus: Simone Nocerino as Admetus (when he's not being Macavity)

(and skimble? where is skimble?)

[lightingelectratwo]

Most of my Canon x Canon cats ships!

Bombaulurina x coricopat (Bompat)

Demeter x Munkustrap (demstrap)

Mr Mistoffelees x Rum Tum Tugger (tuggrstofelees)

Exotica x Tantomile (Exoticmile)

Electra x Etcetera (Electracetra)

Victoria x Rumpltezaer (vicltezaer)

Cassandra x Alonzo (casslonzo)

Jennyanydots x Jellylorum (jellydots)

Mungojerrie x Plato (Platojerrie)

Tabby girl x skimbleshanks (Tabbyshanks)

[afairytalestray]

Day 16 of Cats-pril, @storyweaverofgondor‘s April baby! Today’s prompt is rehearsal, and I tried my hand at writing a chat fic! Also on Ao3 here.

..

HarvestGoddess: Since my darling Munkustrap refuses to interact with the digital world, this is a formal request from the friend group mum for everyone to turn up to Pekes and Pols rehearsal tonight please. If Munk loses any more fur from the stress he’ll be a sphinx cat! x

Rumpled_cheese: im gonna be there now i really wanna see that sedhfwiuh

QueenVic: me and Plato will be present and accounted for! @MagicalMisto, are you needing a lift? x

etc.: BALD MUNK BALD MUNK BALD MUNK

Lettie: …I’ll make sure Etcetera comes, Dem

HarvestGoddess: thanks Lettie!

MagicalMisto: thnx Vic, Tugger has his bike so he’ll bring us. @HarvestGoddess I can confirm that Tugger will be there, regardless of whichever way he is currently contributing to Munk’s hair loss

QueenVic: np!

HarvestGoddess: Thank you Misto! I can tell you that Tug is currently convincing Munk that he’s signed up for a Japanese ikebana class under the guise of impressing you, and that Munk can’t possibly expect him to miss it. Of course, this class runs on the exact same times and dates as Pekes & Pols rehearsals x

MagicalMisto: of course it would lmao

MangoJelly: what is an iceban class

MangoJelly: wait nvm Cori knows thats hilarious

lonz: you lot are mean

lonz: I’ll be there, @HarvestGoddess, and I’ll try and talk Cass into it as well

etc.: it’s called being funny lonzy, LOOK IT UP

Georgeofthejunkyard: pick me! :D :D :D 

HarvestGoddess: @MangoJelly, will you be at rehearsal? Also, is it safe to assume that @C-oracle-pat is with you, and that his poor phone is dead or abandoned somewhere? x

Tantomile: It is always a safe assumption that wherever my brother is, Mungojerrie will be nearby. Coricopat has left his phone on the coffee table, as per. I’ll plug it in and bring it to rehearsal tonight.

Rumpled_cheese: Tantomile - hero of the people!

MangoJelly: oshit sorry Demeter yeah ill be there! 

MangoJelly: OWIEUFOI yeah Corks is with me the now, he says hell be there too, and thanks Tanto!

QueenVic: … :o

MagicalMisto: oooooooooohhhh

Tantomile: What.

HarvestGoddess: no murders until after the show please and thank you!

Lettie: RIP Jerrie

MangoJelly: nOoOOOOOOO

MangoJelly: it was a quote TANTOMILE I prommy!

MangoJelly: Cori said: “oh, thank you, Tanto”

MangoJelly: I wouldnt dream of giving you a nickname id never do anything that might make you revoke your blessing!!!!!!

Tantomile: See that you do not, Mungojerrie.

Cassss: 6 at the Egyptian, yes?

Cassss: I’ll be there for you, Dem, and NOT because Alonzo is badgering me

HarvestGoddess: That’s right! Love ya, Cass! x

QueenVic: lol get rekt Lonz

lonz: :’( 

MagicalMisto: I would advise everyone to bring earplugs, Tugger has decided to treat you all to a bagpipe solo

etc.: yeeeessssssssss i love the bagpipes!!!!

Rumpled_cheese: lol it was nice knowing ya @RumTugTummer Munk is gonna kill u

RumTugTummer: RUDE Cats today just don’t appreciate classical pibroch

lonz: I can confirm this to be true.

RumTugTummer: aweoiufaAMNWIUFC see y’all later bye

lonz: @MagicalMisto please do something about this

MagicalMisto: nah it’ll be funny

Lettie: YES MISTO

lonz: why hast thou forsaken me, brother?

etc.: YES MISTOOOOOO!

RumTugTummer: YES BABE

HarvestGoddess: I don’t care what you bring as long as you all show up!

MagicalMisto: o7

RumTugTummer: o7

Rumpled_cheese: o7

Lettie: o7

etc.: o7

MangoJelly: o7

[noneofyourbusiness42]

Cats!Human AU. I fucking dreamt this in full detail, it had similar cinematography to Gotham.

the Jellicles were an ancient society of witches and magicfolk who thrived in the darkness of night and took their powers from the moon. They spoke an ancient language, long gone and dead, so nobody could understand their singing or the musical.

until one night a man does. Hes in his 90s and dying, hes bed bound but he puts the cats musical VHS tape on and can understand what their saying!

Hes singing along but little does he know hes summoning them. The crack of thunder overhead, the clang of his grandfather clock as it struck midnight, and he was dead. The cats arrived top late.

First to arrive was Bombalurina and her girlfriend, Demeter. Bombalurina is a cunning witch, her dark red hair up in a 50s styled bun. She inspected the place, making sure the old man hadn't summoned her tribe into a trap or dangerous situation.

Next to arrive is Mistoffelees and his mentor. Mister Mistoffelees was played by Ezra Miller, with beautiful black hair. He was quick to go exploring, being first to notice the man was dead.

Misto's mentor was played by Sean Bean. I cant tell you exactly who the mentor was meant to be (character wise,) but apart of me says Munkustrap. He had this air of responsibility around him, he was the type of character who is seen as strict, unsympathetic, but turns out to be extremely scared for his kittens safety.

Then arrived the witches twins; Tantomile & Coricopat. They shared the same human body, their soul and mind being of one, posing as this beautifully androgynous human but kept their feline stripes.

I wish I knew what happened after Mistoffelees pointed out the man was dead, I remember briefly there was the mans Will that the magic twins found which left the cats his home, which happened to be the old Egyptian Theatre.

[cassandra-has-moonlit-eyes]

Some of my WLW ships in Cats

I wanted to do this post before, but I got carried away with my last post so today decided to write a little bit about my favourite wlw ships in Cats. I will write on what made me ship it and how much “canon compatible” the ships are. Also, no poly ships today cause I reserve them for a separate post, but yeah, I headcanon most of the Jellicles as poly and in relationship with multiple other cats after another and/or at the same time. My ships are mostly influenced by the 1998 movie and the last couple of months of the Vienna Revival.

Bombalurina x Demeter: For me, when I watched the 1998 the first couple of times this was probably the most obvious wlw ship, especially if we look at how caring Bombalurina is towards Demeter and how she looks at her during the Macavity number. Demeter also goes to Bombalurina when she feels uncertain or sad (f.ex when Grizabella appears) and seeks comfort by her side. They are often seen sitting next to each other or near each other. I just love everything about them. I hc Bombalurina as Macavity’s sister (I don’t share the Munk, Tugger and Mac are brothers hc) and that’s how she knows Demeter. Bombalurina left her brother first and it took her some time to convince Demeter to run away from him too. That’s why she is so happy when Demeter finally shows up at the Jellicle Ball and wants to spend as much time at her side as possible. For me the flirtiness she shows during Macavity is not connected to her admiration for Macavity but to her admiration towards Demeter and by joining in she tries to impress her and/or help her to get her feelings towards the tom out of her system.

Demeter x Tantomile: My personal rare pair. I started to look more at their interactions after seeing that in the Vienna Revival not just Demeter, but Tantomile recognises Macavity too. Depending on evening and who plays them they have more or less interactions: Sometimes they try to get each other’s attention during the Bustopher Jones song, they usually have a small interaction before joining the Bomba section together and often Tantomile tries to hold Demeter back, when Macavity grabs her. I think they would make a cute couple; they are both sensitive and attentive, but also fun. I imagine them being very caring towards each other. I imagine them both falling in love with each other but at the beginning they were both to scared to tell eachother about their feelings. When Tantomile finally did Demeter was very happy about it.

Tantomile x Cassandra: Is one of the cases of fandom made me ship it. There are only a few interactions between them. In the 1998 they greet each other at the beginning of the second act. I imagine them as Tantomile being a little bit more fun and Cassandra always trying to stay serious and aloof but laughing when Tantomile is acting cute or trying to play with her. I also see them both as characters who (as much as they love the others) need their alone time, so they enjoy just sitting or sleeping next to each other without interacting much.

Tantomile x Rumpleteazer: Also, a case of fandom made me ship it. I imagine them both being a little bit chaotic each in their own way. They have different interests and hyper fixations, and they love to share them with each other. Tantomile loves astronomy, art and mythology while Rumpleteazer loves sparkling things, pop culture and Mungojerrie (lol). Each of them is very supportive of the others interests and enjoys participating in them together. Tantomile f.ex explains Rumpleteazer all about star constellations and the different myths from different cultures (yeah Cats know that, don’t @ me) when they look at the night sky while Rumpleteazer sometimes drags her to a heist together with Mungojerrie or they sneak into a cinema together to watch a new comic book movie.

Rumpleteazer x Victoria: Another case of fandom made me ship it! I think there isn’t much in the 1998 movie but the 2019 fed us well. Honestly, I just think they are cute together and I love their aesthetic (?), pink and orange fits well together hehe. I can imagine that they both share their interest for sparkling things and Rumpleteazer steals jewellery and expensive food (like caviar or salmon) for Victoria. Also, while Rumpleteazer is a little bit less concerned about her appearance, Victoria takes grooming very seriously and she spends a lot of time cleaning Rumpleteazer too. Rumpleteazer tends to complain but she actually enjoys it, mostly because of the love and the attention Victoria puts into it.

Victoria x Electra: Another case of Vienna made me ship it, mostly because Electra is the first one to go to Victoria to comfort her when she isn’t allowed to touch Grizabella. I imagine that Electra loves dancing too, but she is a little bit sad because she is not as good as Victoria. Victoria lifts her up by always telling her that she has other strengths. Electra is more acrobatic and can jump very far and high. After seeing how Plato lifted Victoria up, she is training, because next time at the Jellicle Ball she wants to be in the pas de deux. Victoria is very flattered but always tell her, they can dance a pas de deux together without Electra lifting her.

Electra x Etcetera: They are both very playful and cheeky. They share their love for the Rum Tum Tugger. They can often be seen together or as a group together with the other younger cats. I imagine their love story went something like this: First they spend a lot of time together to talk about Tugger but then they fell in love with each other. Now they just like to play together, to annoy Jenny or just to lie in the sun and sleep next to each other. They also enjoy hyping Tugger up together and joining his performances.

Exotica x Jellylorum: Another case of the fandom made me ship it. That pic/gif of them sitting together and holding hands is everything. I imagine them both to be quite calm, but they are also fun and like to play with the younger cats. I don’t have much headcanons for them now, because Exotica was a created character for the 1998 movie and isn’t there in many other productions, but I will probably have more in the future. Also love how everybody in the fandom has a different name for her.

Jennyanydots x Grizabella: Not much there in the canon, but they do feed my headcanons. When Grizabella returns Jenny seems to be very angry and doesn’t want her near herself or the younger cats (in Vienna especially not near Victoria). I imagine their past went something like that: They were both performers, Grizabella more of a singer, Jenny more of a dancer. At one point they planned on leaving the tribe together, but Jenny couldn’t do it because she loved the others too much. At the end she tried to convince Grizabella to stay but Grizabella left, and they both were heartbroken. Jenny because Grizabella’s dream was more important to her than her love for her and the others, Grizabella because she felt betrayed and left alone by Jenny. That is also the reason why Jenny doesn’t want Victoria to have anything to do with her. She is scared that Victoria might follow in her footsteps. In the end they both forgive each other and recognize that their ideas of happiness were just too different. They make up the moment Jenny touches Grizabella. If Grizabella would stay not die, they probably would be a couple again, talking about their lives and how they are changed now and rediscovering their love for each other (and their love of performing for and with each other).

Jellylorum x Jennyanydots: And now the last case of fandom made me ship it. They are both portrayed as caring, motherly figures (I would say, especially in the 1998 movie). While I do believe Jenny is a little bit stricter and organised while Jelly is more forgiving and fun loving. Jenny can’t really help it (she tries thou) but sometimes she is really stressed, upset and angry and after all the years Jelly knows how to help her calm down and relax, help her to see that maybe not everything is as bad as it seems at the first glance and that everything will be alright. I also imagine Jelly to be an amazing singer (yeah, Jenny has a type), but at first, she was very shy and only sang when she was by herself or for Gus. Jenny heard her once by accident and encouraged her to sing for everybody and everybody loved her voice. Now she must sing good night songs for the younger ones and likes to perform together with Gus. This all helped her to grow her confidence and as a person. So yeah, I think Jelly and Jenny help each other a lot and have a good balance of taking care of each other in their darker moments so they can enjoy their good times together even more.

[pack-the-pack]

Some Cats headcanons I have!

• Quaxo and Misto are two different cats. They're twins and Tugger being the Himbo he is, doesn't clock into this fact for the longest time. He is very confused why one moment "Misto" hates his guts and in the next is very receptive to his flirting and even teases him back.

• Both Quaxo and Mistofelees are Bustopher's kittens.

• Demeter and Bombalurina are Jellylorum's daughters.

• Macavity has two daughters. Jemima through Demeter and Electra through Bomba. (@jellylorum-thecampcounslercat has this hcn as well and I couldn't have agreed more when I saw it on her blog).

• Etcetera was found by the tribe abandoned in the streets and Jenny took it upon herself to raise the kitten.

• Mute!Victoria. Just this. No need to say more.

• Plato is Asparagus Jr.'s son, and he never misses a chance to embarrass Plato in front of Victoria (either intentionally or not).

• Victoria is super feminine, delicate and pastel-y but she's impulsive and kind of a little shit. That's why her, Jerrie and Teazer get along so well.

• Both Plato and Victoria are Bi and they Bi panick together as a couple.

• Electra is a great listener and knows everybody's secrets. You want to know anything, you know that she knows. But she only opens her wise mouth when truly necessary.

• Skimbleshanks has no kittens of his own, so he has a huge soft spot for the Toms and lets them play in the express's carrier carriage whenever it's not in activity.

• Cassandra is a suave goddess and a killer business woman and one of those people that don't need to put effort in how good they look, they just look flawless as soon as they wake up.

• Munkustrap receives gifts from nearly all kittens on father's day every year. Because yes, he deserves it.

• Jemima and Electra have an inkling of Macavity's magic. Jemima can feel other people's feelings on herself like a mirror, while Electra has occasional visions and premonitions. Both of them can see Auras.

• Okay but Alonzo x Electra (Alectra?) anyone?

• On the same note Bombalurina x Cassandra because come on you guuuuys. Two beautiful Queens. Alone. No Tom good enough to hold their incredible power. They might as well help each other and become invincible lesbian moms.

• Coritopat and Tantomile are also magical cats. They're telepaths.

• Coricopat has a crush on Exotica and can't talk straight when around her. He stumbles into his words so bad that at some point he entertained the idea of having Tantomile tell him what to say telepathically so he doesn't look so stupid.

[goblin-iz-whack]

So for me, every production of cats has a diff relationship list so here’s the vibes that I got from the show I saw:

Plato x Victoria

RumpelTeazer x Tantomile

MungoJerrie x Demeter x Rum Tum Tugger x Mistoffolees

Alonzo x JellyLorum x Munkustrap

SkimbleShanks x Jennyanydots

[munkustance]

Nobody asked for this but here are some Tantometer headcanons because they are making me go feral:

Demeter will always lay her head on Tantomiles thigh to relax and while Tantomile might not show it on the outside, on the inside she feels herself relax aswell. That, of course, makes her release a relaxing aura around the two of them which Tantomile doesn't realise but Demeter always do.

Tantomile will choose Demeter over Coricopat when she can. Coricopat fully understands her and takes those times to be the silly bean that he is. Demeter finds herself loving Tantomile even more each time it happens.

Tantomile hardly have any nightmares but when she gets one Coricopat will go and get Demeter when he doesn't feel capable enough to help. As soon as Tantomile feels Demeters aura around her she relaxes, not fully since it takes it's time but enough for her to calm down.

Demeter sometimes finds herself petting Tantomile on the head since her fur there is very different to all the other cats in the junkyard (except of course Coricopat and Cassandra) and she just loves it- both of them does.

[real-reulbbr-band]

For the character and pairing ask:

Tantomile 😙

OFC OFC

this took long cause I don't usually ship Tantomile with anyone so I had to work my brain to come up with things.

My NOTP for them 

Her with Coricopat or Cassandra, because I see them all as related.

My BROTP for them

Coricopat!!! but also I've been thinking about Tantomima and Tantomile being friends with Jemima since I've heard some headcanons floating around about Jemima potentially having some sort of powers, and like just imagine her trying to keep it a secret. she's scared, ashamed even, her having powers just makes her more similar to her dad and that's the last person she wants to be similar to. but cori and tanto know she has them cause well their psychics and guiding her through it. imagine Tantomile being a sort of mentor for Jemima. them bounding cause they're both out of the ordinary and Jemima is worried about making her friends afraid of her and tantomile knows the feeling of being feared or looked at with caution all too well. There's alot of potential there is what i'm trying to say.

My OTP for them 

I'm slowly getting brainwashed into the tantoteazer agenda and quite frankly no objections they're cute.

My second choice pairing for them 

mmmmmmm I'm not sure if I have a definitive one but I've seen some Tantometer on my dashboard and I'm intrigued.

the meditation be going hard I’m telling you. Like Tantomile cupping Demeter’s face when she’s nervous, taking her to secret quiet places in the junkyard, walks together in the night just enjoying each other's peace just love love.

My fluffy pairing for them

Platonic Tantomima or Electramile

romantic 2019 Tantomile x Mungojerrie If I remember correctly they dance together and then I got the idea of Mungo having a big soft spot for her.

My angsty pairing for them 

Hmm...perhaps also 2019 Mungomile? Tantojerrie ? Idk the name but like imagine the drama after the whole Jellicle ball. Does Tantomile question her loyalty to him and whether she wants to continue their relationship or does she have to consider how his involvement with Macavity and actively working with him (during Macavity's number) impacts the other cats she cares about??? Does Mungojerrie feel overly remorseful?

yeah this is a crack ship based on a couple of secounds but like let them being silly angsty

My favorite poly ship for them 

Don’t think I have one? Sorry

My weirdest pairing for them

2019 Tantotoria are cuties !!!!

ok you suggesting Tantomile got me into a lot of tantomile content and I like her a lot more then I used to so thank you so much !!!!!!

[sevenkittensinatrenchcoat]

Headcanons: The Ages of Cats

After giving it some thought, I arranged the Cats in the 1998 Film from what I see as youngest to oldest. I’ll give their ages as “like a human at around X years old”, though I’ve tried to calculate it in years a cat might’ve actually lived as well.

I mostly wanted to write this to demonstrate how Cats shows every stage of life as a sort of theme:

Jemima: 12-13

I consider the Jellicle Ball to be a sort of PG-13 event that very young kittens usually don’t attend. They’d have difficulty staying up all night for it, even if they slept during the day. Even adult cats in their prime sleep a lot and kittens need even more sleep than adults do.

So, Jemima is just barely at the minimum age to attend. She’s not as far along in puberty as the other kittens, though she has the same crush on Tugger that the other girls do. It’s not quite as sexual, more about how cool he is.

Jemima contrasts with Grizabella by being the very youngest, a child with a full life ahead of her. She’s at the beginning of the cycle that Grizabella’s at the end of.

Etcetera, Pouncival, and Victoria: 16

These three all come from the same litter. They all have a bit more of a connection to Jellylorum than the other kittens do, so they’re her litter. They’re maturity varies, but they’re all hormonal teenagers, while also sometimes still acting like children. They’re also close enough to Jemima in age that she can fit in as one of their group.

Electra and Tumblebrutus: 17

I don’t know if they’re the same litter or not, but they’re a step ahead of the others. Electra and Etcetera are often seen together, as are Tumblebrutus and Pouncival, so they can be compared. In the female pair, Electra is quieter and more behaved than Etcetera, who is often a bit out of control. In the male pair, Tumblebrutus can talk Pouncival into doing stupid things (most of which involve bullying Grizabella). Electra and Tumblebrutus are still very much kittens, but they feel slightly older than some of the others.

Plato: 18

Out of all the kittens, he’s the only one whose kitten status is up for debate. I basically see him as being like a high school senior who’s already turned 18 while his classmates are still 17. Victoria is the junior whom he invited to the senior prom. They’re still both kids, but there’s a slight difference.

Mistoffelees, Mungojerrie, Rumpleteazer, George: Late teens or early 20s.

These four are all old enough to be considered adults, but they act like kittens half the time anyway. Your average college undergrad is only slightly more mature than your average high school senior. George isn’t very prominent, so I can’t say much about him, but, Mistoffelees is the sort of Barely Adult who really wants to prove that he’s an Adult™, while Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer weren’t ready to grow up when it happened and would rather just be kids.

Alonzo, Cassandra, Coricopat, Tantomile, Tugger: Mid to late 20s.

These five are a bit more established as adults, but they seem a little less mature than some of the other adults. Alonzo basically acts as Munkustrap’s apprentice, still looking for someone older to take the lead. Cassandra, as his love interest, I would assume to be his age. She is kind of immature in the way she treats Grizabella. Coricopat and Tantomile, despite their wise mystic status, when they’re doing anything other than being psychic, they’re a bit silly. Coricopat is on the same level as Mungojerrie when it comes to girls. When Munkustrap is hurt while fighting Macavity, Tantomile is the only adult nearby and she freezes up. Also, during Macavity’s number, she reacts to some of what’s said as if she doesn’t know who Macavity is.

As for Tugger, he’s an adult who’s still young enough to be the Obnoxious Little Brother of the tribe, but he demonstrates maturity when it’s needed. He knows How to Adult; he just usually doesn’t bother.

Bombalurina, Demeter, Macavity, Munkustrap: 30s

They’re just adults, neither young nor old. Bombalurina is a bit immature, enough to fit in with Tugger, but I hc her as Demeter’s sister, who’s closer in age to Munkustrap. She also knows more of what’s going on with Grizabella and Macavity than the five mentioned above.

We don’t see much of Macavity, so he’s hard to place, but I also try to put him at Demeter’s age. Munkustrap and Macavity are good and evil twins, basically.

These four are the youngest cats that might possibly have children.

Bustopher Jones and Jennyanydots: 40s

These two are mature cats, clearly on the older side of the cast, but Bustopher is, at least by his own standards, still in his prime and Jenny is very busy and active. They’re old enough that their age is starting to show a bit, and Bustopher’s obesity might shorten his lifespan, but it also might not.

Asparagus Jr. and Jellylorum: 50s

They seem more obviously middle-aged. Jelly’s most recent litter of kittens, which probably wasn’t her first, will probably be her last, though cats don’t have menopause, so who knows.

Honestly, I can’t figure out much about Asparagus, but he seems to be Jelly’s age.

Perhaps the casting of the 98 film is what makes me see Jellylorum as a bit older. I don’t know. But, she carries authority, enough to seem to be involved in Munkustrap and Old Deuteronomy’s conference to make the Jellicle Choice! She’s also reached the age where parents and adults that were adults when she was a child are beginning to get old and die off. She spends a lot of time with Gus, knowing that there isn’t much time left.

Skimbleshanks: Early to Mid 60s.

You might be wondering why I made him older than the other mature cats. Well, there’s something I noticed about Skimble that I haven’t seen anyone else point out: He’s retired.

The lyrics to his song are all in the past tense, talking about not just individual incidents, but the general routine of the train as being something of the past. He speaks of the railway in the same way that Gus speaks of the theatre, just with more energy. He’s young enough to still have that energy, but he’s not working anymore. He might’ve retired so he could spend more time with his family. The middle-aged cats, too old for physical labor but too young to be considered old, are the ones who raise the children. Perhaps that’s how Jellicle society works. “Working” cats who retire become homemakers and look after the kittens and seniors.

Grizabella: Late 60s or Early 70s.

Grizabella is old enough to be considered old, but she’s closer in age to Skimble than to Gus. She’s in worse physical conditions than Gus, because Gus is well taken care of and Grizabella has been living alone on the streets. She’s old enough to have lived a long life, but she’s also been prematurely aged by circumstance. Because of her health, she gets bumped ahead of Gus on the list for the Heaviside Layer.

Gus: 80s or 90s

Gus is old enough that he needs to be taken care of and shows signs of dementia. He’s had the chance to live a long, happy life, though. Hopefully, he’ll make it one more year to be the next Jellicle Choice.

Old Deuteronomy: So ancient that no one would dare to guess

He basically transcends the laws of age.

So, in conclusion, the cast shows us childhood, puberty, coming of age, taking on more responsibilities as an adult, aging, retirement, old age, and eventually death and rebirth.

[junkyard-gifs]

The Shiki Jellicles are Perceiving You.

(Left to right, front row: Tugger, Jennyanydots, Munk, Rumpelteazer, Victoria. Behind them: Mistoffelees, Sillabub, Tantomile, Mungojerrie, Jemima. Back row: Rumpus Cat, Demeter, Skimbleshanks, Bombalurina.)

From the official trailer for the 2022 Shiki season (X).

[lightingelectratwo]

This image

[afairytalestray]

Thinking about my silly Cats Avatar AU again...

I made a post about it like, an age ago, but hey, I think I’ve finally cast it! Almost. Not fully. Most of it.)

Aang - Mungojerrie Katara - Munkustrap Sokka - Tugger Toph - Bombalurina Zuko - Rumpleteazer (?)

Iroh - Skimbleshanks Azula - ???? Griddlebone??? IDK. Ty Lee - Etcetera Mai - Electra Fire Loser Ozai - Macavity Zhao - Growltiger Long Feng - Grumbuskin

Suki - Mistoffelees Hakoda - Old/Middle-aged Deuteronomy Bato - Asparagus King Bumi - Pouncival (OK, I know he’s like, 120 or something, but lets be real, he’s a child at heart) Yue - Demeter Haru - Tumblebrutus The Mechanist - Jennyanydots Teo - Victoria Pathik - Gus Master Pakku - Jellylorum Master Piandao - Gilbert June - Cassandra Jet - Alonzo (my formal apologies, it’s all about that redemption)

Not entirely sure how I feel about Rumpleteazer x Electra? I’ve never considered it before, and I never had strong feelings for Maiko, so idk. I was also never into Kataang, nor am I overly into romantic Munkojerrie, so I probably won’t include that, but I do love it as a platonic ship and platonic ships always need more love. I enjoy flirting with Alonzostrap, and since I love Demestrap I’ll be including that. Tuggoffelees is a given due to who I am as a person, and honestly if I can find any way to shoehorn in some Coricojerrie you bet I will - considering heavily adapting the characters of Aunt Wu and Meng to be Tantomile and Coricopat.

I honestly cannot decide on Azula, the only one I can think of is Griddlebone? I’ve never done anything with her character before so idk. Also the idea of her being Teazer’s sibling is strange. I’m not even sure about Teazer as Zuko, but again I’ve never really worked with her character before so maybe it’d work? The sibling relationship between Katara and Sokka and Munk and Tugger, however, is precious and must be protected at all costs.

At first I couldn’t cast Aang at all, but I’ve been seeing a lot of Jerrie on my dash lately and I’ve been converted to a Jerrie stan. I’m also really unfamiliar with Gilbert and Grumbuskin, so I’ll need to get to know them better. If anyone has any thoughts or opinions let me know!