Colette, a literary figure renowned for her exploration of gender dynamics, often centers her narratives around female protagonists. Her depiction of male characters, though less frequent, is no less insightful. In novels such as Cheri and its sequel The Last of Cheri, The Ripening Seed, and The Cat, Colette crafts male figures who defy traditional masculinity. These characters — Cheri, Phil, and Alain — are portrayed as indulged, sensitive, and emotionally stunted young men. Through their portrayal, Colette consistently challenges conventional gender roles, offering a nuanced critique of societal expectations.

Colette’s literary works often draw heavily from her personal experiences. This is particularly evident in The Cat, where themes of devotion to animals and the nostalgia for her childhood's natural surroundings weave through the narrative. The novel also mirrors her personal life, reflecting her tumultuous experiences with jealousy and the dissolution of her two marriages. Such personal elements enrich the narrative, providing depth and authenticity to the emotional landscapes she depicts.

Upon its release, The Cat received mixed reviews. Initial criticism underscored by a reviewer from La Gazette de Paris dismissed it as an instance of "a fine talent demeaned by a ludicrous theme." Even decades later, skepticism lingered. The Times Literary Supplement in 1953 described it as "a brilliant piece of writing, but a vile story," highlighting the controversy surrounding its thematic choices. Despite the initial polarized reception, some critics, like Edmond Jaloux, acknowledged the novel’s artistic merit early on. Jaloux lauded it as "a masterpiece of art of classic perfection, told with the maximum of truth, of intelligence, and of poetry." Such recognition has since grown, and The Cat is now often celebrated as a classic example of Colette's mastery in blending poetic storytelling with profound emotional insight.