Summary
The Cat tells the story of a marriage unraveling with disconcerting speed. Alain Amparat and Camille Malmert, both heirs to thriving manufacturing empires, are at the heart of this tale. As the novel unfolds, we see how familial obligations and societal expectations overshadow genuine emotional connection.
The Pre-Wedding Preparations
The narrative kicks off just a week before their nuptials, in Alain's sprawling yet slightly neglected family home in Neuilly. Here, he resides with his widowed mother and a group of elderly servants. A section of this grand residence is under renovation, intended to be a modern living space for Alain and Camille after their wedding. However, until the work is completed, their temporary abode will be a small studio in a contemporary nine-story apartment building. The apartment, a favor from a friend, appeals to Camille's penchant for the modern, yet grates against Alain's preference for tradition.
Conflicting Desires
It quickly becomes apparent that Alain and Camille's engagement is spurred more by family pressures than by mutual understanding. Alain, although physically drawn to Camille, finds himself uneasy with her bold demeanor and resonant voice. To escape, he often seeks comfort in the presence of Saha, his cherished Russian Blue cat.
First Signs of Strain
The morning following their wedding, Alain experiences discomfort as he observes Camille moving freely about their sleek studio bedroom, unselfconscious in her nudity. She points out his own partial state of undress, which only heightens his embarrassment. This incident foreshadows the growing chasm between them. Later, when Alain visits Neuilly under the guise of overseeing renovations, Camille jests that he is visiting a rival—the cat. Alain, misunderstanding her, insists that there is nothing "impure" in his bond with Saha.
A Fraying Bond
Throughout the stifling summer, their physical relationship thrives, driven predominantly by Camille's desires. Alain, however, grows increasingly uncomfortable with her overt sensuality. He yearns for the safe familiarity of his childhood home and the companionship of Saha, who remains in Neuilly. Camille’s irritation peaks when Alain insists on bringing the cat to their compact top-floor apartment, where he showers it with attention.
The Breaking Point
Their simmering tensions boil over when Alain hears Camille disparaging "that filthy swine of an animal," sparking a heated argument. During dinner that evening, Alain is struck by Camille's slight weight gain, fearing she might be pregnant. Camille muses about the family they could raise once they return to Neuilly, suggesting redecorating Alain's old room for a child.
A Growing Resentment
Alain is horrified by the idea. His aversion to Camille solidifies into a firm resolve: she must never gain entry to his childhood sanctuary. His pleas to his mother fall on deaf ears. Camille is hurt when Alain starts spending nights away from their bed, opting instead for a bench in the hallway, the cat nestled on his chest. She tries to win him back through physical allure, but her efforts only exacerbate the situation.
A Dangerous Game
As tensions reach their zenith, Camille engages in a silent, sinister game with the cat, forcing it to leap perilously along the parapet. In a rash moment, she pushes it over the edge, assuming Alain will dismiss it as an accident. However, the cat survives the fall, merely stunned. Alain tends to it with care, asking Camille to check for injuries. As she reaches out, the cat shrieks and bolts, confirming Alain's suspicions.
The Unraveling
In the ensuing confrontation, Camille accuses Alain of favoring the cat over her. He reiterates that Saha is no rival. Persisting, she accuses him: "I have seen you lying cheek to cheek...." Alain compels her to...
(This entire section contains 733 words.)
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confess that she tried to harm Saha. With determination, he announces to Camille that "we are" leaving. Despite her hidden despair, Camille offers a few sarcastic parting words and lets him go.
The Final Separation
The next day, Camille arrives in Neuilly bearing a suitcase of Alain's belongings, only to find him disheveled and disoriented in the garden. She attempts to draw him into a conversation about the future, but he remains unyielding. He brands her a monster for attempting to harm an innocent animal. Refusing to deny her accusation, Alain accepts her assertion that he is monstrous for choosing an animal over a woman. As Camille walks away, Alain finds himself back in the familiar garden of his youth, surrounded by his mother, the loyal servants, and his beloved cat.