Meet Edgar and Pluto: The Enchanting Black Cats of the Edgar Allan Poe Museum

The Discovery

In 2012, on Halloween, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum in Richmond, Virginia, received an unexpected surprise in their garden - three kittens! Among them were two brothers, Edgar and Pluto, and a sister named Katarina, mirroring Poe's own family structure.

Naming the Cats

The cats were aptly named after figures related to Edgar Allan Poe. Edgar, after the author himself; Pluto, after a character in Poe's story "The Black Cat"; and Katarina, after Poe's real-life cat that used to keep him company as he wrote.

Making the Museum Their Home

While Katarina found a home with a tour guide, Edgar and Pluto decided to make the museum's Enchanted Garden their domain. Pluto, distinguished by a white patch on his chest, is the more outgoing and sociable of the two, much like his literary namesake. Edgar, resembling Poe in temperament, is more reserved and enjoys his solitude.

Part of the Museum Family

Throughout the past decade, Edgar and Pluto have become integral members of the museum. They greet visitors, guard the premises, and even act as impromptu tour guides, adding to the charm of this literary haven in Richmond.

Follow Their Adventures

To see more of Edgar and Pluto's daily escapades, check out their tagged account for a glimpse into the lives of these enchanting black cats.