Bookworms and animal lovers: Who gets in the way of reading?

For many people, the image of a cosy library, framed by high bookshelves and a comfortable reading chair, is synonymous with relaxation and knowledge.

But what to do when pets disturb this peaceful retreat? Two of my friends have very different views.

"Pro", says Ines: "My cat Tamara and a good detective story: a perfect duo"

When I think of my flat, a very special atmosphere comes to mind: a combination of bookshelves reaching up to the ceiling and the comforting purr of my cat, Tamara, curled up on one of the piles of novels.

One thing is for sure: pets and books complement each other perfectly. They enrich my everyday life in their own way and add a depth to it that I couldn't imagine otherwise.

The first thought that comes to mind when I think of pets and books is the comfort that these two elements create. When I come home after a long day, Tamara knows exactly when I want to take time out to read and makes herself comfortable on my lap. It's a ritual that sounds modest but is very important to me. This image of a quiet evening with a cup of tea, a good book and my cat fits perfectly into my life.

Another beautiful element of this combination is the inspiration that both books and pets can provide. Books open up new worlds, invite you to dream and discover. Every time I immerse myself in a new novel, I discover characters who become my companions and stories that captivate me. But just as valuable are the lessons I learn from Tamara. Her carefree attitude and curiosity inspire me to appreciate the little things in life.

There is a certain symbiosis between reading and animal companionship. I often have moments when I'm lost in thought and suddenly realise that Tamara is licking my arm or putting her paw on my hand while I'm engrossed in an exciting story. These little interruptions are worth their weight in gold. They make me put the book down, stretch out and pet Tamara. And it is in these moments that I realise how important it is to make time for our beloved animals in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Books can also help us build a deeper relationship with our pets. To learn more about Tamara's needs, I read a lot of books about cat ownership. I remember one book in particular about human-animal communication. Reading this book changed the way I saw Tamara. I became more sensitive to her signals and realised that she was trying to tell me much more than I had previously suspected. The understanding I gained from reading the book has strengthened our relationship and made our life together more harmonious.

But it's not just the quiet moments that characterise the interaction between books and pets. There are also countless situations that bring a smile to my face. For example, I remember one evening when I was reading an exciting chapter about the main character who was about to make an important decision. Suddenly Tamara jumped on the table and knocked my next book off the edge. It fell to the floor with a loud crash. I was astonished for a moment, then I laughed out loud. This shows not only the playfulness of animals, but also how they remind us that life sometimes takes unexpected turns.

Among my friends there are different opinions about having pets in a library. Some people think that books and pets don't go together. They worry that their hair will get caught in the pages and ruin the books. But to be honest, the effort I put into protecting my books is small compared to the joy Tamara brings me. I keep her bowls away from my shelves, make sure she doesn't chew on my books, and so far there has only been one minor incident.

I never thought that my love of animals and books would lead to so many wonderful encounters. There is a small bookshop in my neighbourhood where there are regular readings. One day I decided to take Tamara along. It was a small, unplanned adventure that turned into one of the most wonderful experiences. Many people were excited by the idea of having a pet. As I read from my book, Tamara purred contentedly on my lap, and the audience seemed as enchanted by the sight of the purring animal as by the story itself. As a result, we were surrounded by other book lovers who also had pets and wanted to talk to me about their love of books and animals.

Ultimately, the combination of pets and books is a source of joy in my life. This connection not only provides a refuge from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but also moments of laughter, learning and wonder. Tamara and my books are more than just material things, they are part of my identity, my daily rituals and my memories. It goes without saying that both have their place in my home, because for me one cannot exist without the other.

"Contra", Marion says. "Books and pets: Absolutely not!"

I don't tolerate animals in my library at home. "Pets and books: Definitely not!" When I say this, it is often met with astonishment or even outrage. The idea that I would want to protect my beloved books from animal mischief is met with incomprehension. Many people see a kind of harmony in the combination of books and pets, an image of cosiness that they associate with a cup of tea and a purring cat on their lap. But for me, the reality of this combination is unimaginable.

First of all, I have to say that I love animals. They are fascinating creatures that can bring us joy. Their quirks and behaviour can make us laugh and enrich our lives. However, there is one room in my home that must remain animal-free at all costs: my library. It is the place where I come to rest, where I can immerse myself in the worlds hidden between the covers of books. It is where I read, write and think deeply about words.

Animals, on the other hand, are unpredictable. Much as I appreciate their character, their presence is a threat to the order I cherish in my library. A threat not only to the integrity of my books, but also to the mental clarity I need to read. I imagine a curious dog knocking over a row of carefully arranged books with its wet snout, or a cat pawing at the pages of an open book, leaving painful scratches. Each time I imagine this, my fingers tighten around the spine of the book as if I could save it from its inevitable fate.

Another argument against combining animals and books is hygiene. In a world where cleanliness and tidiness are increasingly important, most people seem to neglect the issue of allergens and the accumulation of animal hair. A book should not be hidden under a layer of fur and dust. For me, books are alive, every page has a story and these stories deserve respect. The clean and hygienic environment of my library is a sign of respect for those stories.

But what about the claim that animals are emotionally good for us? That they help us reduce stress? In many homes, the combination of books and animals is considered ideal, because the animal's zest for life makes reading more lively. This may be true for some, but I don't think my emotional attachment to a pet can outweigh the value and importance of the time I spend with my books. On the contrary, a stray dog or a purring cat would upset this balance. My concentration would suffer, my thoughts would be distracted.

It's important to understand that I'm not against animals per se. I enjoy spending time with them, but not in my literary paradise. These are two different worlds that should not be mixed. In nature, there is a perfect rhythm between animals and humans, but in my world, humans are in charge of this particular space. Books need space to breathe, to grow, to be, and in that space there is no room for the traces of fur, paws or snouts.

That is my firm belief: Pets in my library, that's just not going to happen. There will always be people who see things differently. People who see the interplay between literature and the love of animals as a gift of life. That may sound harmonious to some, but to me it remains an absurd idea. I will continue to browse my shelves without worrying that a careless animal might disturb my happiness. After all, the library is my private universe and there's no room for animal hair or paw prints.

© "Bookworms and animal lovers: Who gets in the way of reading? Books and pets: Do they belong together? The pros and cons": An article by Izabel Comati, 01/2025. Image credits: Cat on the bookshelf, and Bookshelf, both CC0 (Public Domain Licence).