Names have all kinds of origins. Some people pick names based on an animal’s color or characteristics. Others choose “people” names from pop stars or celebrities. Then there are those that get their inspiration from popular pet cartoon characters… which is what happened to our Top Cat!
Jo Jo, Top Cat’s owner, grew up watching the original Top Cat animated television series created by Hanna-Barbera Productions in the early 1960s. The lead character, Top Cat (also known as T.C.) was a crafty and clever Manhattan alley cat dressed in his signature purple vest and hat. He and his gang of feline friends were always dreaming up schemes and stunts to earn some money. As the leader of the group Top Cat often took credit for the good things the group did. In addition to the television series, Top Cat has been featured in movies, comics, and books in many countries all over the world.
Like the original, our Top Cat has a way of sneaking into your heart with his playful nature and willingness to work hard to succeed.
Illustration by Megan Ward
At the Pin Oak Charity Horse Show in Houston, Texas, Ava takes a moment to show Preston, also a Thoroughbred horse, her book about Top Cat! Ava is nine years old and she rides with Col. Russell and his wife Shane at the Russell Training Center in San Antonio, TX. This was the very first time Ava has ridden at such a big horse show. She didn’t win any ribbons this time but she says, “I’m just like Top Cat! I’m going to keep practicing and practicing!”Jo Jo gives Governor Huckabee a copy of Top Cat’s book to share with his grandchildren.“I really don’t like getting shots, but everyone has to have them!”Nap time!Top Cat photo bombs selfie! Sculptor Kristen Abramson from Friday Harbor, WA and lifelong friend Alyssa Seymor of Tulsa, OK attempt a selfie during their trip to Texas!After reading Top Cat’s Second Chance, Joshua W. was excited to meet Top Cat and author, Jo Jo White, out at the farm.“Remember that Christmas is about Jesus’ birthday and remember to read your Bible!” – Christmas 2017Emsley and Juliet dropping off a couple of books at a free library in Kansas City“I can’t read yet, but as soon as I can, I’m reading TC’s book!” One of the newest additions to the herd at Singing Horse Trading Post on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.“I really hate showers”A copy of Top Cat’s book is now at the Singing Horse Trading Post on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota!The Santa Fe Summer Series Horse Shows at HIPICO had Top Cat’s book on sale to help raise money for CRforCW, the nonprofit corporation that is working with Native American youths through equine programs.Ava Myers read Top Cat’s book to her thoroughbred, Preston, several years ago and now Ava meets TC in Santa Fe, NM at the Hipico Horse Show Series.TC tried to shake Ava’s hand and thank her for reading and sharing his book.
