ECCENTRIC CAT OWNERS: MARIA CECYLIA NATALIA JANOTHA AND WHITE HEATHER, THE SOCIETY CAT

Natalia Janotha (b. Warsaw, 1856; d. The Hague, 1932) was a Polish-German pianist who lived in England for around 30 years. She came to the attention of Queen Victoria when she appeared in London at the age of 12 at St. James Hall and became an intimate of the queen and the royal family, Madame Janotha became a favourite of the upper levels of society (the title "Madame" was a mark of respect often accorded foreigners in England). She was appointed Imperial Court pianist in Berlin by Emperor Wilhelm I in 1885. She became noted as a mountain climber, sometimes wearing men's trousers and in 1883 became the first woman to ascend Gerlach, the highest mountain in Carpathians. Janotha had a rather unpredictable temper (The Guardian of 22 June, 1932 referred to her being famous for her "volcanic temper,) and her obsessive love for her cat was indirectly the cause of an infamous court case.

Madame Janotha had a black cat named Prince White Heather who accompanied her almost everywhere, including on stage when she performed and to court, social and charity events. White Heather became even more famous after his death and his mistress's falling-out with her long-time companion, the Austrian Baroness Camille Von Perglass. Janotha lived with the Baroness for around fifteen years until they fell out over accusations that the Baroness had conspired to poison White Heather. This culminated in a malicious accusation that the Baroness had stolen a trinket at a charity bazaar, and her counsel advising the police that the accusation was the result of a conspiracy devised by Janotha who had threatened to ruin the Countess.

At the start of the first World War, Janotha was deported from her home in Grosvenor-street, west London. There was some doubt over her nationality and her sympathies as her father had been born in German Silesia. Janotha was still German court pianist, now to Kaiser Wilhelm II, and seemed to have developed an outspoken hatred for the British. She had also had a brother serving in the German army. She settled in The Hague, where she played as accompanist to the Polish-Dutch dancer Angele Sydow. Janotha died in 1932 aged 76, having lived in strict retirement for some time. Various obituaries reported that White Heather had been almost as famous as his mistress travelling all the world with her and appearing with her in almost every photograph and painting of her.

One of the earliest reports of White Heather is in The Boston Globe, 20th November 1895. "[. . .] with her very black cat, White Heather, lying on a white silk cushion, sleeping soundly . . . Heather is a lucky flower, and Mile Janotha is never without it Her other superstition is contained in the body of the sleek black cat before mentioned. 'My beautiful White Heather,' she said, 'I am so fond of him. He goes everywhere with me. After dark he walks out on the street with me. He perches on my shoulder, and he is so wise and not at all alarmed by electric cars and other weird noises. I got White Heather eight months ago to serve as a mascot at a bazar held in London in aid of the sailors. He sat in the booth presided over by the duchess of Teck, who grew very fond of him. He was a little fellow then, but he was a great mascot. My cat and heather blooms are my two superstitions."

The Westminster Budget, 29th July 1898 had two articles about White Heather and a cover page photo featuring him.

BLACK FUR AND WHITE HEATHER. THE STORY OF THE CAT WHO MAY LOOK AT THE QUEEN. Westminster Budget, 29th July 1898
Three years ago, at a fashionable charity bazaar, a tiny black kitten was put up for sale. A funny, puling, little object it looked at first sight; blacker than a pitch-dark night, and with a plaintive little voice. But when you approached the small bundle of soft fluff, ready to pity and to pet, you soon found that you were wasting good sentiments. For out of that little round face there blazed two amber eyes, so brave and dauntless as to be almost ridiculous in connexion with the baby voice, the unsteady gait, the tiny paws, the peaky little tail. Mddle. Janotha, who was assisting Mrs. Morgan Richards at her stall, bought the kitten "for luck," with the result that Mrs, Morgan Richards's stall was entirely sold out. The black kitten was triumphant. What other name would fit so lucky a thing than "White Heather?" White Heather, therefore, the black kitten was called, and it has lived up to its name so wisely and so well, that now, at the end of three crowded years of glorious life, White Heather's fame is spreading. all over the world. The black charity bazaar baby has developed into a magnificent specimen of the highly-cultured cat; he receives the homage of rulers and princes on more than one continent; he is invited to lunch with the Queen at Osborne and Balmoral; he has the entrée at all times at the German Imperial Court; at the White House, Washington, President McKinley delighted to do him honour, and wherever he goes he fascinates and charms all and sundry.

At charity concerts White Heather is even greater than usual. Perchance he remembers how, in the morning of is days, he himself was lucky enough to be put up for sale at a charity entertainment, and how by good luck he fell into the hands of Mdlle. Janotha, that queen in the kingdom of music, who has ever since then been White Heather's devoted mistress. Whenever that lady gives a particularly interesting concert, White Heather accompanies her, and though he appears on the platform only on special occasions, he is always near by, reposing grandly in the artist's waiting room, and shedding the good luck of his presence upon her. It was at a concert of very special interest where White Heather, together with three of the most interesting women of the day, was photographed as he appears on our front page. A week or two ago, it will be remembered, Mdlle. Janotha put her splendid talent at the disposal of some needy charity by giving a concert at St. James's Hall. The Princess of Wales was among the audience, and White Heather, sitting behind the scenes in awful [i.e. awe-inspiring] splendour, was presented to the gracious lady whose love of all "dumb things" is known to everyone. And so gracefully and graciously did her Royal Highness receive this unexpected cavalier, that, in order to celebrate the occasion, he condescended to being photographed, together with his dear mistress, her friend Mrs. Craigie (John Oliver Hobbes), and Lady Randolph Churchill.

Only a few moments before these three ladies had been charming their audience by playing on three pianofortes Bach's splendid Concerto in D minor, as only musicians par la grace de Dieu can play it. Now the platform was empty. Sir Hubert Parry and his Royal College of Music students had left; all the eminent artists who had joined Mdlle. Janotha in her effort in the cause of the poor were gone. Only the three ladies remained. They , and White Heather. And in their delight that they had been able to help their charity so substantially they agreed to prepare for themselves a memento of the day in the shape of a photograph. Mr. Histed, the American artist photographer, was at hand; White Heather was lifted upon the Erard piano, and the charming group reproduced on our front page formed around him.

Also in The Westminster Budget, 29th July 1898:
I am inclined to regret even more that White Heather refuses to enter into conversation in any other tongue than that which is employed when cat meets cat on, and under, the pine trees in the Isle of Wight, where White Heather is at home. For this favourite of Fortune could tales unfold which would keep a society newspaper booming away for a whole season. White Heather, you must understand, is the property (I hardly like to use the term, which seems to suggest that he occupies a humble position, whereas he does nothing of the kind) of the lady who is the German Imperial Court pianiste, and he, like that ancient relative of his, Puss in Boots, goes to Court whenever he likes. Her Majesty the German Empress is White Heather's bosom friend, and the gentlemen and ladies of the Court are patronised by him in lordly fashion, and call him, for his fine black colour, Othello.

The Isle of Wight being White Heather's: home, and being quite accustomed to Court manners, air, and etiquette, he goes in and out of Osborne House with the frequency of an habitue and family friend. Last summer, while the Queen was there, he went eight times, and her Majesty, who is particularly fond of all domestic animals, has often let her kindly smile rest upon him as he stands there with the fine collar round his neck which some native queen of the South has bestowed upon him when he escorted Mdlle. Janotha on a concert tour to the Antipodes.

But Princess Louise, the Marchioness of Lorne, is his very special friend among the members of the Royal Family. With her he lunches often en famille, at Osborne House, and his great eyes simply blaze with admiration and affection as he looks upon the pretty, kindly Princess. Archduchess Stephanie, the widowed Crown Princess of Austria, is another of White Heather's intimate friends. When he is not on duty at Court, White Heather lives in a lovely home of his own near by. There he roams about in splendid freedom, and all the cats of the district love, honour, and obey this acknowledged aristocrat and courtier. Two favourite resting-places he has, in his own domain, and these again are chosen with the originality which distinguishes all White Heather's ideas. One of these seats of the mighty is a prie-dieu. Attached to the house is a chapel which Mdlle. Janotha, who is a very devout Roman Catholic, has restored. Over the altar there is a valuable little painting on wood of the Virgin. Seven hundred years ago the kings and queens of Poland, when poor Poland was still a great and wealthy nation, laid priceless treasures in jewels and gold before this faded little ikon, for its Virgin was said to be of the wonder-working kind [. . .] A praying-chair, softly cushioned, stands in front of the altar, and it is there where White Heather loves to repose. You see his yellow eyes occasionally fixed steadily upon the small dark picture, and hear him mew in a peculiar manner, before he curls up once more and goes to. Sleep in that cool and silent place.

The other favourite seat is high up on a pine tree, whence this monarch can survey the whole neighbourhood, and keep a sharp eye on inferior cats. If Mdlle. Janotha calls him he descends from his exalted position and flies to her arms. But ever and again it happens that a wild and savage longing for war and battles comes over White Heather's spirit, and at such times he is terrible to behold. It was during an attack of such unfine frenzy that he bit his dear mistress's hand - the hand that makes such heavenly music - and injured two sinews so severely that, if it had not been for Mr. Irwin Palmer's great skill, the hand might now be crippled. But for all that, White Heather is his mistress's "luck," just as much as the "insec" was the luck of Gilead P. Beck. In America, when he had been received at the White House, his luck became so proverbial that the fair Americans besought Mdlle. Janotha for a bit of his black hair, in order that they might wear it upon their person for luck.

Last spring, White Heather did a lovely deed. His mistress had, night after night, charmed away Mr. Gladstone's pain with her music, and when the old man left Bournemouth to go home to die, Mdlle. Janotha came to bid him good-bye. With her was her black "lucky" cat, and in his velvet paw he offered the patient a sprig of white heather. Just now White Heather is in town for the season, but he is off to Scotland presently, and intends going to Balmoral as usual. And when he goes to Balmoral he lunches on a pheasant.

A short account appeared in the Wrexham Advertiser, 18th February 1899: "Walking down my own street last Sunday afternoon, I met a lady coming towards me with a large black cat with enormous yellow eyes, under her arm. He was sitting there under his mistress's cloak, perfectly quietly and complacently, like a dog, staring out at all he saw with his large amber orbs. Of course I was attracted, as I always am by any living animal, and as I drew un quickly, exclaiming 'Oh, what a beautiful cat' I recognised the mistress of the splendid black pussie as Mdlle. Janotha, the great pianist, and in the black pussie himself the celebrated 'White Heather,' who I believe was purchased by Mdlle. Janotha, as a kitten, at a charity bazaar, and named 'White Heather' because it was certain to bring good luck; and I am told that this very nice animal often accompanies his mistress to concerts at St. James's Hall and elsewhere, and waits for her (probably sleeping comfortably curled up on a silken cushion) in the green room. I was quite pleased to have met him."

From The Derby Mercury, 22nd February 1899: "Previous to [The Duchess of Devonshire's] visit Miss Janotha, the distinguished pianist, had also paid a hasty visit to the [Railway Orphange], with which, and the children in it, she expressed herself delighted. The lady carried with her her beautiful black cat, which bears the name of 'White Heather,' which she said she had brought for good luck." In her rapid look round she came upon a large party of girls, to whom she showed the cat, which they stroked and patted with great pleasure. In signing her name in the Visitor's Book, Miss Janotha guided pussy's paw to sign 'White Heather.'"

The Birmingham Weekly Post (14th March 1900) tells us: "Miss Janotha gives her diet in a chatty letter and adds that her dear, black cat, 'White Heather,' drinks water only, and eats only haddocks boiled without salt, pheasants, partridges, quails or larks, mallard ducks (in America), oysters, and in summer-time butterflies of fairest hue, herbs, and grasses." And the Ramsbottom Observer (15th February, 1901) said: "Among cat lovers Mlle. Nathalie Janotha, the German Court pianist and a well-known performer in England, has often been mentioned. One of her most valuable possessions is 'White Heather,' a famous black cat. This cat has a great reputation as a 'mascot,' and almost every crowned head possesses a tuft of his jetty hair. Wherever Mlle. Janotha goes 'White Heather' accompanies here, and he is one of the few cats that will follow their mistress out of doors like a dog." A longer account appeared in The Lady's Magazine in 1901.

A SOCIETY CAT by J A Middleton, The Lady's Magazine., March 1901
So many legends and wild stories have been circulated about Miss Janotha's famous "lucky" black cat, "White Heather," that is it quite time a true biography of him should be written. We have it on the best authority that a cat may look at a king, but this particular cat not only looks constantly at kings and queens, but numbers then among his friends, and is quite a persona grata at court.

White Heather made his first public appearance at a charity bazaar, given in aid of the wives and children of the seamen who perished on the ill-fated ship 'Elbe.' He was held up for sale, a little black, puling kitten, in the arms of Anna Bocker, the sole survivor of the wreck, and was bought by Miss Janotha. Her stall was immediately sold out, and the black kitten then and there established his reputation as a Mascot - a character that has never deserted him. He was named White Heather on the spot and bears his somewhat anomalous name with characteristic dignity and hauteur. From that day forward he has been the great friend, companion and "luck" of his distinguished mistress. Miss Janotha carries him about with her wherever she goes, and her audience may be quite certain that if he is not within sight, he is, at any rate, not far off - probably resting serenely in the artiste's room and exercising his mystic spell over her wonderful fingers. His chief and only duty is to guard a chapel with Miss Janotha has arranged in the Isle of Wight. It is surrounded by a huge garden, where, among roses and heliotrope, White Heather takes his siestas, or surveys the world calmly from the top of a huge fir tree.

He is the greatest cat-courtier that ever lived, and has had the privilege of being at Osborne and Balmoral in the company of such distinguished guests as H.I.M. the Empress Frederick, H.I.H. the Archduchess Stephanie of Austria, H.R.H. the Princess Louise, and H.R.H. the Princess Beatrice, and when far away and least expected, he is sure to make his entry through the window, to the amusement of all. Her Highness the Princess Ina has named one of her dolls after him. At the German Imperial Court, where Miss Janotha is Court Pianist, he is nicknamed Othello on account of his dusky complexion. White Heather has not only visited the principal European Courts, but has been to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and the Channel Islands. He has travelled to Monte Carlo, and been affectionately received by the Princess of Monaco. He numbers the Queen of Italy, whom he met at the Quirinal, among his gracious friends. He has been in Pisa, Florence, and Rome; has breakfasted in a gondola in Venice; and has visited Paris and Milan. In a word he is cosmopolitan.

On one occasion Miss Janotha, Mrs. George Wet and Mrs. Craigie performed Bach's Concerto in D minor on three pianos at a large charity concert at St. James's Hall. The Princess of Wales (as she was then) was present, and, in her usual gracious way, requested that White Heather (who was behind the scenes) should be presented to her. The cat was duly introduced, and the Princess made much of him and paid him flattering attentions. He was afterwards photographed with the three ladies as a memento of the day. He has been to America, and began the new century in Berlin. Fish and roast birds form his menu, and water is his only drink, except when on specially festive occasions, a few drops of champagne are allowed him. At the dinner lately given to 300 cats'-meat men, at which Mr. Louise Wain took the chair, and the Duchess of Bedford obligingly handed round the Brussels sprouts, White Heather accompanied his mistress, and took a great interest in the proceedings, which were, naturally, of a 'catty order.' "

From first to last, White Heather's adventures and experiences would fill a book - in fact they ARE going to fill a book some day - and he is a great favourite wherever he goes. As will be seen by his photograph, he is a somewhat large, jet-black cat, with a fine silky coat and bright intelligent face. He may be described (to parody Balzac) as 'Le chat aux yeux d'or,' for his eyes are like fiery topaz, and are one of his greatest charms. Long may he live to be a comfort to his distinguished mistress, and to bring her good fortune wherever she goes.

In March 1901, various newspapers mentioned the above article about "The Society Cat": "White Heather, Madame Janotha's famous cat, is the subject of a delightful article in the March number of 'The Lady's Magazine.' He is a well known personage, and has been graciously received at nearly all the European Courts." White Heather's fame was worldwide and reported as far afield as Australia, as the follow extract demonstrates.

THE STORY OF A FAMOUS CAT. WHITE HEATHER. MISS JANOTHA'S PET. The Queenslander, 18th May 1901.
It is generally believed that a black cat brings luck, and there is nothing surprising, therefore, in the fact that when, some three years or so ago, a tiny black kitten, nursed in the arms of Miss Anna Bocker, appeared for sale at a Sailors' Home Bazaar, he quickly found a purchaser. Miss Janotha, the German Emperor's Court pianist, took the little treasure to guard her chapel from intruding mice, carried it home and cared for it, until, under her kindly treatment, it has developed into a magnificent specimen of the feline tribe. Naturally the first question that arose was the choice of a name. White Heather was suggested as being symbolical of luck. No sooner thought of than settled. White Heater the kitten was christened, White Heather the cat remains - not only in title, but in symbol, the paradox of name and colour being conquered by harmony of sentiment,

White Heather is known all the world ever, for his mistress travels a great deal, and is always accompanied by her stately protege, who Is quite at home in English and German Courts, and is one of the few cats who can boast of having looked at a King, to say nothing of a Queen. He has also attended President Cleveland's receptions at the White House, where fair Americans, having heard of his reputation for luck, begged for tufts of his jet-black coat to wear in lockets and keep ever near them. And White Heather, who is a well-bred cat, amiably submitted to those Delilahs.

His large black orbs, within golden frames, stare unflinchingly at strangers, and lead one to suppose that once roused he would be a dangerous enemy. It was only the skill and great care of Dr. Irwin Palmer that saved Miss Janotha's hand after an unintentional bite. Like Puss in Boots, White Heather goes to Court [. . . ] At the Castle in Berlin, where he in very well known, he has been dubbed Othello. When his presence is no longer needed he is carried away, perched sedately on the shoulder of a powder-haired liveried attendant. During his stay in the Isle of Wight, he is usually to be found either on the top of a pine tree in the garden, or taking his place on a cushioned chair in the house he was given to guard. He has admirably fulfilled his mission, annihilating all mice that have come his way save one - a white mouse, which he carefully brought to his mistress, and which proved to be a lost pet of the housekeeper's.

He has a long list of Royal patrons, and it is not surprising, therefore, that his manners are grand and superior. Neither is it astonishing to learn that he has an ear for music. Sometimes he rests on the piano near his mistress as she studies. But when silence is preferable to him he goes behind the book of music and throws it down on the keyboard.

MADEMOISELLE JANOTHA AND HER CAT. AN INTERVIEW WITH "WHITE HEATHER." Girls Own Paper, 1902
"May [ come in?" No answer. I enter, and find the room empty. I take a place in a comfortable chair, and look through the windows left wide open on to the green trees that surround me, when suddenly, as if by magic, there appears from the outside, on the window-sill, a splendid black cat. The elasticity reminds me of a panther, the dignity of pose is that of a lion. A powerful head, with pointed sharp ears, with eyes that are like two intellectual searchlights, a golden necklace, and a greeting in quite weird tones, make me realise that it is "Prince White Heather," who has left his balcony, his grass, his flowers to see who is the visitor. After shaking the extended little paw, subtle yet powerful, I turn to the lady who enters the room, full of anxiety as to the safety of her treasure. My interest awakened, I explain that I want a few facts concerning White Heather for the fair readers of THE GIRL'S OWN PAPER.

The lady begins, 'Yes, this is White Heather. As you see, he is quite black - this means 'good luck,' therefore this name was chosen, though his names are legion. John Oliver Hobbes calls him the 'Marquis of Haddock,' at the Court of Berlin he is named 'Othello,' the celebrated Dr. Irwin Palmer, who saved Miss Janotha's hand (the hand of a pianiste remember) when by sheer mistake White Heather dangerously wounded it, calls him henceforth 'Shajtan'; besides he has an unpublished vocabulary of pet names in all languages of the world. But I daresay you would like to know all about him?

'At a bazaar given for the Sailors' Home he appeared, a few months old, in the hands of the sole lady survivor of the Elbe. Miss Janotha bought it to exterminate mice. All Royal visitors who honoured her by their visits were welcomed by this pet, who shared their gracious notice. The late Empress Frederick honoured by a visit that beautiful place where music-flowers held their sway. But the time for travelling came, and so it happened that White Heather accompanied Miss janotha everywhere. In America the late President invited White Heather to the White House, and several little locks of his hair were kept by the fair Americans for 'good luck.' A collection on the steamer was made by White Heather, and resulted in twenty guineas additional gift to the 'orphans.' Let us add that the only partridges on that journey were kept for White Heather! In this country he has been everywhere - Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Channel Islands, with the red letter days of Osborne and Balmoral. Her Highness the Princess Eva called her doll White Heather. Her Majesty Queen Alexandra graciously petted White Heather. He paid a farewell visit to the Maine, bound on her charitable voyage. Among the illustrious names who know this little mascot are such great ones as Mr. Gladstone, Sir Henry Irving (who calls him Sphinx), Madame Sarah Bernhardt, who in her wonderful voice exclaimed, 'Regardez ses yeux.'

"But let us follow him to Rome. There he was bidden to the Quirinal, to the beautiful Queen Margherita. At Monaco the Princess of Monaco saw him at the Castle, and always inquires kindly after him. In Germany, Holland, France, everywhere he has been welcomed and interviewed. He has been painted by Gutzon M. Borglum, in Paris by Steinlen, and in England by Louis Wain. His travelling coats and baskets are usually chosen by his good fairy, Mrs. John Morgan Richards. Let me add that he is a great gourmet, fish and birds being his usual fare - haddock boiled without salt, partridges, grouse, or mallard duck when in America; water is his only beverage."

The interview proper ended, let me remind the readers that Miss Janotha, who possesses this little mascot friend, is the Court pianiste to the German Emperor. She was born in Warsaw. As a child she studied with private tutors; her English governess had the historic name of Miss Rhodes. Her musical talent was shown very early, as she took part in a charity concert when only seven years of age. Soon afterwards she left for Berlin, where she studied specially under the great Madame Schumann, and played often with Professor Joachim. Under his direction she played the great piano "Concertos" with the Royal High School Orchestra. She was introduced to the German Emperor and Empress when only thirteen or fourteen years old, and the late Empress Augusta always called her "her dear child." In order to replace Madame Schumann at concerts in London, Miss Janotha was sent to this country, and her visits since that first great success have been frequent. Sometimes it seems as if she belongs to England, as at all great charities one sees her name. Our beloved Queen Victoria very often commanded Miss Janotha to play, honouring her by bestowing upon her the Victoria Badge and decorating her personally with the Jubilee Medal. And recently her Majesty the Queen Alexandra sent a beautiful photograph, signed, to her.

A short time ago Miss Janotha, as a tribute of her devotion to her late Majesty, organised the Memorial Concert at the Mansion House. The Lord Mayor took the chair, and, though the City can boast a history of nearly 700 Lord Mayors, this permission for a concert was the first given. Madame Sarah Bernhardt recited, Mrs. Marchesi-Brema sang, Miss Opp recited a poem written by the Lady Mayoress, Messrs. Ben Davis and Bispham gave their artistic help, and the Welsh Ladies' Choir, conducted by Mr. Novello Davies, sang the German Emperor's "Song to Aegir." Of course White Heather was present, and held a court in the drawing-room, reminding one and all of Dick Whittington and his cat.

It is with commendable sisterly pride that Miss Janotha, to conclude, tells us that her brother, Major Janotha, has recently been created Knight of the Order of the Red Eagle and decorated with the Verdienst Order by his Imperial Majesty the German Emperor. - MARY DE G.

THE KING OF CATS. QUEEN'S PRAISE OF 'WHITE HEATHER.' The Weekly Dispatch, (USA,) 26th July 1903
In an article dealing with 'Methuselah Grimalkins' we included the pet of Miss Natalie Janotha, the German Emperor's celebrated Court pianist. We are indeed happy to learn that, far from being a Methuselah among his fellows, 'White Heather,' of whom we publish a portrait, is still in the prime of his cathood, being but seven years old. A thrice happy cat, he is constantly attracting the notice of the great ones of the earth. He is a cat, in fact, who not only dates to look at Kings, but Queens and Presidents a well. Thus we find among his conquests he includes Queen Alexandra and President Loubet. Everyone whom 'White Heather' expresses purring approval of experiences good luck. This has been proved over and over again.

Queen Alexandra was so delighted with him that she graciously accepted a photo of the pretty creature, acknowledging by telegram that 'The cat is lovely. - Alexandra.' On the occasion of the visit of President Loubet to the Association of French Governesses at Lancaster-gate. Miss Janotha and 'White Heather were present. The cat at once attracted the notice of the President, who whilst stroking its little black paw, learnt the significance of its name.

Royalty has raved over 'White Heather,' and noble poets have invoked the muse in his glorification. Anna, Comtesse de Bremont, in four verses written about this celebrated animal, says in the last one:

Small wonder that with calm and regal mien
He hath received the homage of a Queen;
That graciously a Pope's gift he does wear,
Since Royal Egypt's glories he hath seen.
Reincarnation now in happier guise,
He loves the apple of his lady's eyes;
Content to love her in his purring way -
A jealous friend - but one discreetly wise!

Again - thrice happy cat!

His exploits were reprinted around the USA, the Pond Creek Daily Vidette (20th June 1904) saying "Probably the most famous cat in the world is the handsome jet-black creature known as White Heather, which was saved as a kitten from the wreck of the Elbe, which went down some years ago in Southampton Water. His first public appearance was in the hands of the only woman rescued from the sinking vessel, and she brought him to the bazaar held in aid of the orphans and widows of the sailors drowned. Lots were drawn for him, the tickets being a guinea each, and he became the property of Miss Janotha, the court pianist of the Kaiser. He was a favorite of the late Queen Victoria, who, as a rule, did not like cats, and Queen Alexandra has his portrait in her possession. He has been introduced to in most of the Royal Courts of Europe, the Vatican, and the Presidential Palace, White House, Washington, D. C., and lately he was presented to President Loubet on the occasion of his visit in London. White Heather is Miss Janotha's mascotte, and is known to bring good luck to all his admirers. John Oliver Hobbes calls him the Marquis of Haddocks, because haddocks are his favorite food. He has been petted by the late pope, and has trotted over the ruins of the Capitol and other historic grounds of the Eternal City. He killed a viper in Rome, and a young rattlesnake in America. He has opened graciously more than half a dozen bazaars in aid of charities - among others the bazaar for the new cats' home at Bournemouth, or rather Parkstone. He never goes by himself, but is taken out on a lead. He wears a golden necklace when in state, and is in every respect kept more like a prince than like a cat. White Heather seems to be a peculiar name for a black cat, but both are said to bring good luck."

Meanwhile, back in London the St James's Gazette (25 July 1904) referred to the Girl's Realm article in its account "A COURTIER CAT. WHOSE LIFE HAS BEEN LONG SERIES OF SOCIAL TRIUMPHS. 'R. E. C.,' in the Girl's Realm, tells the story of 'Prince White Heather,' a cat that that has been honoured by several royalties. Saved as a kitten from the Elbe, the steamer which went down in Southampton Water some years ago, White Heather made his first appearance in public at a fancy bazaar in the hands of the only woman rescued from the wreck, and was there adopted by Miss Janotha, the world-famed court pianist, to keep away the mice from the chapel which she had arranged at Northwood Park in the Isle of Wight. From the time he took up this, the course of the cat's life has been a series of triumphs. As its name of White Heather gave it a second claim as the synonym of good luck, he bore his part as the representative of fair fortune to all the august visitors to the Northwood chapel, and thus received the admiration of an Empress, a Crown Princess, and a Royal Princess. When on a visit to America with his gifted owner, 'White Heather' made quite a sensation. The President invited him to the White House, and the fair Americans carried away several of his hairs for good luck. 'White Heather' is at home in Berlin, where the Emperor styled him 'Othello,' and in Rome he was graciously received by Queen Margherita. In fact, this celebrated cat is a cat of high degree, and if such an exceptional creature could be vain it might have felt a thrill of vanity when our beautiful Queen Alexandra said he was 'lovely,' and graciously stroked him."

The Black Hills Union and Western Stock Review (3rd March 1905) wrote: "The most famous cat in the world is Prince White Heather, the pet of Miss Nathalie Janotha. It is a perfectly black animal and has earned the reputation among European royalties of being a kind of mascot. Every royalty in Europe, with the exception of the czar, possesses three hairs plucked from its tail. It once bit President McKinley's thumb. Wherever Miss Janotha goes, she is accompanied by Prince White Heather."

According to "The Catastrophe. Baroness, Pianist, and Feline. Peculiar Libel Case" (Sheffield Daily Telegraph, 2nd August 1906) the Baroness Von Perglass was an Austrian lady who had come to Britain in 1890 and formed a deep friendship with Miss Janotha. They became hostile to each other under circumstances which many considered humorous or trivial: Miss Janotha's devotion to her cat and her reaction to its death.

The Bournemouth Daily Echo (22nd September 1904) stated: "Mlle. Natalie Janotha is mourning the death of her famous cat White heather. Probably no cat in the world has been fondled and admired by so many eminent folks as White Heather. Mlle. Janotha took the cat, which was a very sensible and handsome animal, to all the European Courts, where she delighted the kings and queens almost as much as they were charmed by Mlle. Janotha's playing on the pianoforte. In many a 'green room' White Heather has been petted by the leading artists of the day, and they will sympathise with Mlle. Janotha in her sudden loss."

The Dublin Evening Telegraph (24th September 1904) gave a long, but less glowing, obituary of the cat:
"Stories of Mlle. Janotha's Dead Cat. A young singer who took part a few days ago in a concert at which Mlle. Janotha was playing asked some one afterwards what was the matter with the famous pianist, who had been quite unlike her brilliant self. The tragic cause was soon told. White Heather was dead. Black cats have attained fame before . . . but Mlle. Janotha's cat was perhaps the best advertised animal in England. It was not sleek or well-favoured. Its enemies - and it had some - called it mangy, spiteful, and a nuisance. Concert agents, who had to provide a seat for it, or a responsible person to watch over it in the green-room, loathed it. It reduced the audience by at least one at many London concerts where Mlle. Janotha played; for a well-known lady used to send down a messenger to ask it the cat was coming, and if the cat came the lady did not. It is but fair to add, however, that this was a confirmed feles-phobe, who when she goes to St. James's Hall, sends the same messenger to request that a certain familiar cat, belonging to one of the firemen there, may be shut up for the occasion.

Mlle. Janotha, however, adored White Heather, who went everywhere with her in its basket, and concerning whom she is reported to have believed that the soul of a certain great saint dwelt in the feline body. As Mlle. Janotha has a very large circle of friends, among whom she pays frequent visits, the cat was a great traveller and known in royal circles, and its death will cause vehement, if varying, emotions in many parts of Europe."

Janotha's love for White Heather might be thought rather obsessive. Perhaps he was an 'emotional support' animal for a temperamental artiste. In 1904, at the age of 10 and while in London, White Heather fell ill and despite all the nursing and praying (Janotha being a devout Catholic), and the care of a veterinary surgeon, he died five or six days later. This may have been one of the cat illnesses so rife at the time, or it may have been exacerbated by the often toxic medical concoctions given at that time. While White Heather was ill, Janotha was unable to eat or sleep, and occupied most of her time in praying for the cat, although it was looked after in the most assiduous way by a veterinary surgeon. When he died, she became seriously ill. The press later reported that it seemed that the only thing that would comfort Janotha was that the cat's body should be returned to the Isle of Wight to be buried at the chapel there. Her long-term companion, Baroness Von Perglass transported White Heather's body there for her. Janotha became delusional and her relatives were summoned. She became convinced that the Baroness and the veterinary surgeon had conspired to poison her cat. At this point, Janotha and the Baroness became estranged to the point of enmity. Janotha had heard of a cat 48 years old in Berlin and was unable to accept that White Heather had died aged only 10 years old.

This is where things get a bit murky, because Janotha was evidently in denial of her cat's death, and possibly delusional. In parallel with some papers printing obituary notices for the cat, others were printing statements from Janotha that her cat was alive and well. The Bournemouth Daily Echo (23rd September 1904) tells us: "It appears that Mile. Janotha's famous 'lucky cat' White Heather, which at Bournemouth bazaars has proved a valuable acquisition in the cause of charity, is not dead after all, as reported in a Newport telegram. Notwithstanding the appearance of obituary notices, accompanied by its photograph, White Heather is alive and well. The famous cat's demise was evidently regarded as certain, and forgetting the fact that nine lives are proverbially allotted to every member the species, whether famous or not, a league for the protection of stray cats of the Isle of Wight, called the White Heather Memorial League, was arranged to be formed, so that White Heather's memory might still bring good lock to all who loved him. Prince White Heather is just a common black cat, but by association with its well-known owner has been lifted into popularity unknown to the choicest prize-winning Persian. He has been caressed by the hands of more famous people possibly than any other animal in the world, and has quite a circle of Royal acquaintances. The Queen recently sent a charming basket beautifully gilt as a present. The Princess of Wales knows the cat well, and from various Royal personages there have come presents for the favoured animal. The cat was an acquaintance of Queen Victoria, and had the special privilege of playing with ball of wool from which her Majesty was knitting."

The Hastings and St Leonards Observer (24th September 1904) stated: "The report circulated by some of the London papers, the Mdlle. Janotha's cat, 'White Heather,' is dead, proves to be untrue . . . Instead of her black cat being dead and Mdlle. Janotha being disconsolate, the puss is alive and well, and the lady in the best of spirits." The Daily Mirror (27th September 1904) wrote "Mlle. Janotha's black cat, 'White Heather,' has had the experience which has fallen to several other celebrities of seeing their obituaries in the morning papers. Probably he never recognised how famous he was until he saw what was said of him."

The Tatler's Gossip of the Hour page (21 September 1904) said "White Heather not Dead. Every cat has nine lives, so the attempt to kill the favourite cat of Miss Natalie Janotha, the great exponent of Chopin, is naturally very irritating to that lady. White Heather has been her inseparable companion for nine years. Miss Janotha bought him 'for luck' at a charity bazaar. When I last saw this most sympathetic beast he wore a handsome collar studded with 200 stars presented to him by Mrs. John Morgan Richards, mother of Mrs. Craigie, both of whom are intimate friends of Miss Janotha. White Heather is a familiar sight in all the green rooms of the concert-rooms of Europe. He is also exceedingly intimate with royalty, for his mistress is court pianist to the German Emperor and much favoured by our own Royal Family."

According to The Times Democrat (23rd October 1904): "To his many claims to distinction, 'White Heather,' the famous cat belonging to Mlle. Natalie Janotha, the court pianiste, has recently added that of surviving the publication of his own obituary notice. It was reported that he had surrendered all of his nine lives, despite the efforts of four doctors to save a few of them, and several European newspapers published his picture and told of the things he had done and the sights he had seen to entitle him to feline renown. It was even suggested that his memory should be kept green by the establishment of a 'White Heather' Home for cats, which shows what a very superior sort of cat he is himself. But there wasn't much the matter with him, it turned out, and in response to my inquiries Mlle. Janotha sent me the photograph here reproduced that his friends in America may know that he is alive and well, and is still the chief solace of his clever owner's leisure hours. It is fitting that they should appear together, for like 'Mary and her little lamb,' they are inseparable."

By 1905, during evidence given in a court case (which Janotha had precipitated but declined to attend), the public learned that White Heather had indeed died in 1904 and had been buried on the Isle of Wight.

Some while after the death of White Heather and the estrangement between Janotha and Baroness Von Perglass, the Baroness became interested in supporting a bazaar in aid of an animal lover's society. She went round selling trinkets from a tray. Unfortunately Janotha was also at the bazaar, noticed the Baroness there and apparently told the secretary of the bazaar that the baroness was untrustworthy. The Baroness and another party ended up accused of theft and the whole thing went to court where the spat between Janotha and the Baroness over White Heather's death became part of the evidence. The case was widely reported and was seen as a cat-fight (pun intended) between 4 women: Miss Janotha (making malicious accusations), Baroness Von Perglass (slandered, and wrongfully arrested), Miss Tanner (bazaar secretary) and Miss Colenutt (supposed accomplice of the Baroness).

During that case, the Magistrate said that he could not understand why someone would take a six-penny trinket when there were more valuable articles around. Mr. Conway, counsel for the Baroness responded "The whole thing has been a conspiracy engineered by a jealous, back-biting woman, who does not come here to support the assertion she has made. I will mention the name of the lady - Mme. Janotha." Although the case was dismissed, the whole affair rumbled on as the Baroness went to court to clear her name of the slur.

According to "Sequel to a Ladies. Quarrel" (The Bath Chronicle, 9th August 1906) and various other accounts, the plaintiff in the case was questioned, and said she was known by the name of Baroness Von Perglass and had the right to the title. She said that Miss Janotha's cat had died of something like poison even though it always got the best fish in London. At this, there was laughter in the court. Transcripts from this later case shows that the pair were reconciled and all was forgiven and they returned to being best friends.

In obituaries of Janotha in 1932, it was written that White Heather was cremated and that his ashes accompanied Miss Janotha's performances. This must have been White Heather II, for on 12th August 1915, the year that Miss Janotha was deported, the Daily Mirror wrote: "Prince Black Heather II. It is incorrect to say that Miss Janotha's famous black cat was the one and only she possessed. The original White Heather died some years ago and was replaced by a black member of his own family, who fell heir to his golden collar, his ribbons and his pampered life. He was an evil-tempered creature and would spit fiercely when approached by strangers." The Guardian (22nd June 1932) referred to her "large black cat which she found in her private chapel in the Isle of Wight, named White Heather" and which she took everywhere for luck. I am guessing she considered it a reincarnation of White Heather, who had died in 1904 and been buried there.

MADAME JANOTHA AND THE BARONESS. CHARGE OF STEALING A SIXPENNY BROOCH, AN EXTRAORDINARY CASE. The Belfast News-Letter, 30th November, 1905 (and many others)
At Westminster yesterday Baroness Camille Von Perglass, 60, described as a journalist, 12 Queen's Road, St. John's Wood, and Eliza Colenutt, 44 dressmaker, residing at 10, Queen's Road, were charged with being together concerned in stealing and receiving a sixpenny brooch. Detective Barrett said he was on special duty on the previous day at the Animal Lovers' Bazaar, and owing to a communication made to witness observation was kept on Perglass, who was assisting at a stall. The Baroness, who was a recognised stall-keeper, went round offering small articles for sale. She met Colenutt, and handed her a small brooch from a tray. Colenutt, witness continued, pocketed it without making any payment. When called into the office and confronted with Colenutt, the Baroness said she would have paid for the brooch and accounted for it in the regular way.

Mr. Conway, for the defence, said the charge was really monstrous, and was the outcome of some spiteful woman in the background. After evidence had been called as to the baroness being a lady of the highest respectability, Detective Berrett suggested that the magistrate would like to have the lady then who made the communication which caused the police to keep observation, and who it was stated, was a lady artist. The magistrate accordingly adjourned the case of the lady's attendance. Upon resumption, Detective Berrett said he had seen the lady, Madame Janotha, and she declined to attend the court or to be mixed up with the case, as she was professionally associated with Royalty, and honoured with a testimonial from the Queen.

Mr. Conway then stated that up to eighteen months ago the Baroness and Madame Janotha were intimately associated, and lived together. A disagreement arose over a cat, which died. Madame Janotha alleged that the Baroness destroyed the cat, and this commenced the ill-feeling. Threats were made that the Baroness should be ruined. "It is obvious now," continued Mr. Conway, "that the enmity and spite existing between these two women has, without the slightest shadow of justification, culminated in this monstrous charge." The magistrate said he could only say that on the evidence defendants were discharged.

THE SOCIETY "CAT" CASE. Various, 1st December 1905
Miss Janotha requests the Press Association to state that she did not give Baroness Camille von Perglass into custody in connection with the charge of theft brought against the latter at Westminster on Wednesday; that she bears the Baroness no malice, and that her (Miss Janotha's) statements have been misconstrued. She also wishes to state that she never suggested the Baroness injured her (Miss Janotha's) cat, as stated in court, and that she never lived with the Baroness in London.

SEQUEL TO A BAZAAR. THE TALE OF A CAT. The Morning Post, 2nd August 1906
The case of Von Perglass v. Tanner came yesterday before Mr. Justice Ridley and a special jury. Mr. Bankes, K.C., Mr. C. Mathews, and Mr. Dennis (instructed by Messrs. Gadsden and Trehearne) appeared for the plaintiff; Mr. McCall, K.C., and Mr. Compston (instructed by Messrs. Emmott and Co.) for defendant. Mr. Bankes, in opening the case, said that the plaintiff, the Baroness Von Perglass, was an Austrian lady, who shortly after coming to reside in England in 1890 formed an acquaintance with the famous pianist Miss Janotha. This acquaintance ripened into a very close and intimate friendship which lasted until unhappily Miss Janotha lost her cat. (Laughter.) Miss Janotha was, it appeared, devotedly attached to this cat, and the Baroness, who sympathised with her and was anxious to give her whatever consolation she could, consented to take the corpse to the Isle of Wight to give it decent burial. (Laughter.) Unfortunately, however, Miss Janotha got it into her head that the Baroness had entered into a conspiracy with somebody to get rid of cat, and the friendship seemed to have been converted into enmity, at least so far as Miss Janotlia was concerned, for the Baroness had no ill feeling towards her old friend. At all events, the death of the cat seemed to be the remote cause of these proceedings.

The defendant was organising an Animal Lovers' Bazaar at the Caxton Hall, Westminster, in the autumn of 1905, and plaintiff, who sympathised with the object, offered her services to defendant. Finding, however, that Miss Janotha was a patroness and was to play at the bazaar, she explained to defendant the position, and asked her not to take any notice of what Miss Janotha might say, and defendant promised that she would not. Accordingly plaintiff contributed some small things to the bazaar, and gave her personal services in the sale of articles which she took round in a tray - they were very small articles, such as twopenny frogs - (laughter) - and threepenny and sixpenny brooches. Whilst the Baroness was doing this Miss Janotha saw her and, it was said, told defendant that she had a thief assisting in the sale of goods, mentioning the name of the Baroness. Defendant thereupon instructed two detectives to watch the Baroness, who was seen by one of them to hand a sixpenny brooch to a friend who was walking round with her and not to receive any money for it. This incident was reported to the defendant, with the result that the Baroness was summoned before the Bazaar Committee, asked to explain, and the bag given her to hold the money received for goods taken from her. She explained that she had given the article to her friend, and had paid for it, and the money was in the bag. However, she was given into custody by defendant, taken to the police station, where she was searched, and detained some hours before being liberated on bail. The next day she appeared before a police magistrate, who dismissed the case, both the defendant and Miss Janotha having refused to appear against her.

The Baroness even after all this ill-treatment was willing to accept an apology and the expenses to which she had been put in paying solicitor, but that offer was not accepted. He submitted that in these circumstances the plaintiff was bound to bring the case into court to clear her character, and that she was entitled to a verdict.

The Baroness Von Perglass then gave evidence in support of her case, as opened by counsel. Cross-examined by Mr. McCall, witness said emphatically that the defendant gave her in charge, and said to the detectives: "Take her away, take her away."
Eliza Colenutt, the friend to whom plaintiff had given the brooch, confirmed plaintiff's evidence.
Detective-sergeant Barrett and Detective-constable Cock described what took place; they both said they were acting under the instructions of defendant, but neither of them would say that defendant gave plaintiff in charge or used the words "I give her in charge." What she said according to them was, "Do what is necessary." She said Mr. Maberly, chairmen of the committee, would follow to the station, but he did not do so, and the sergeant signed the charge sheet, believing that he was acting under defendant's instructions.
Miss Adelaide Eva Tanner, the defendant, then gave evidence. She denied absolutely that she ever gave the plaintiff in charge. On the contrary, she refused to have anything to do with it. Mr. Maberly, a barrister, was responsible for whatever was done. In cross-examination witness admitted that Mr. Maberly was paying the solicitors for the defence.
Mr. Bankess-Then you say that Mr. Maberly is the culprit?
Witness-No: I don't think there is any culprit. (Laughter.)
Witness was also cross-examined as to her twenty-five weeks' hotel expenses in London while she was getting up the bazaar.
His Lordship: Did take twenty-five weeks?-Yes, Lord. (Laughter.)
The further hearing was adjourned till to-morrow.

ALLEGED FALSE IMPRISONMENT. BARONESS PERGLASS'S ACTION. The Belfast News-Letter, 4th August, 1906
The action by the Baroness Perglass against Miss Eva Tanner for damages for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution came to an end in London yesterday morning. Mr Banks, K.C. who appeared for the plaintiff, stated that the defendant had agreed to pay the plaintiff a sum which would indemnify her against all expenses. . . . Mr McCall, K.C., for the defendant, said she asserted that she did not give the plaintiff into custody, and she very sincerely regretted that the plaintiff has been exposed to this trouble and annoyance. Mr. Colman, who appeared for Miss Colenutt, the plaintiff in the second action, said similar terms had been assented to in that case . . . Mr. Avory, K.C., asked to be allowed, on behalf of Miss Janotha, to refute the statement which had been made that she told Miss Turner that the Baroness was a thief, and that she had apologised for making the charge.
The Baroness - She is my best friend.
Mr. Banks - Madame Von Perglass bears no ill-will to Miss Janotha, and she authorises me to say so.
The Baroness - I forgive her everything.

Here two shorter excerpts from reports of the court case, that show how White Heather was involved:

"Miss Janotha was of an excitable temperament. She was possessed of a cat, to which she was devotedly attached. The animal was ill for five or six days, and during that time she got into such a state of mind that she could neither eat nor sleep, and he (counsel) believed nearly the whole of her time was occupied in crying about the poor cat, although a veterinary surgeon was attending it. The cat died, and the only thing that would comfort her was to take the cat's body down to the Isle of Wight to be buried there, which was done. Unfortunately, this was of no use, and the relatives were summoned, and she was placed under medical care. She apparently formed the idea that there was a conspiracy between the plaintiff and the veterinary surgeon. "(Liverpool Evening Express, 1st August 1906)

"The cat occupied the central position throughout. The cat was so much beloved of Mlle. Janotha that when it fell ill Mlle. Janotha could not eat nor sleep, let alone play the piano. When, despite Mile. Janotha's prayers, and the fact that it was fed on the best fish that money could buy, the cat died, its body was borne off to the Island of Wight, and there buried, where no mice could disturb it by scampering over its grave. Mile. Janotha grew no better, and after her relatives had been summoned she was placed under medical care. Mile. Janotha apparently fostered the idea that the baroness and veterinary surgeon who had been called in to attend to the cat, had formed conspiracy against the unfortunate animal, and at the 'Animal Lovers' Bazaar' in Westminster, last year, she told Miss Tanner, the defendant, that the baroness was dangerous thief, and that she 'must be on her guard.' " (Longford Journal, 11th August 1906)

As mentioned earlier, on 12th August 1915, the Daily Mirror wrote that it was incorrect to say that Miss Janotha's famous black cat was the one and only she possessed. The original White Heather had died in September 1904 and was apparently replaced by a black member of his own family. He was an evil-tempered creature and would spit fiercely when approached by strangers. It must have been this cat that accompanied her when selling roses on Princess Alexandra Day. This means that later articles penned about (or by) White Heather in later years related to his successor(s) and that the story of the first White Heather was conflated with their stories. In other words, White Heather had become a character - played by more than one cat - in Nathalie Janotha's story. Perhaps it was this cat that was found near the chapel on the Isle of Wight and Miss Janotha considered him a reincarnation of the original White Heather!

A CAT COLLECTOR. "WHITE HEATHER" GETS HIS BOX FILLED MANY TIMES. Daily Mail, 27th June 1912
Opposite to the Mansion House, at the Corner of Bucklersbury, sat Mdlle. Janotha, the celebrated pianist, selling wild roses for "Alexandra Day" on Wednesday. Her black cat, " White Heather," wearing a smart bow, was lying quite happy in one of the flower baskets on a small table. Thousands, including Lord Weardale , Sir Thomas Dewar, and Colonel Ridgway, stroked his sleek head during the day, and the box beside him was replaced by another seven or eight times, so numerous were the contributions dropped into it. One City man put in five sovereigns. Queen Alexandra has graciously expressed her desire to receive "White Heather's" boxes direct, and these will be accompanied by a sketch of a white rose by M. de Kiralyfalvy, and an ode by the Marchioness Townsend. Many people requested Mdlle. Janotha, who was assisted by Mrs Graves, Mrs Angelo Short, and Miss Powell, to send wild roses to their friends in America.

I'M A VERY FAMOUS MAS-CAT. Pearson's Weekly , 24th September 1912
White Heather, the Most Famous Cat in the World, Tells His Life Story. [White Heather is the celebrated "lucky" black cat belonging to Miss Janotha, Court pianist to the Emperor of (Germany. He is inseparable from his mistress, who takes him everywhere with her.)

I am called "Lucky" White Heather, and I am very proud of it, because I have brought good luck to my dear mistress (and to lots of other people) ever since I was a kitten. When the Editor of Pearson's Weekly rang me up on the telephone and asked me to write him something for his Lucky Number, I was not surprised, because I am the most famous Mas-cat - I mean cot - in the world. I made my first public appearance at a big charity bazaar given to help the widows and children of the sailors who went down in the Elbe. Miss Anna Bocker, the only person who was saved, held me up in her arms for sale, a little black, crying kitten, and I was bought by Miss Janotha, who had a stall there. This, I have been told, but I cannot remember it. I at once brought my mistress luck; her stall was sold out almost immediately, so she christened me White Heather - though I am as black as a crow - on the spot.

Since then I have been her friend and companion. She always takes me with her, even when she plays at concerts, and she puts my photograph before her on the piano while she plays. I sit in the artistes' room and bring her luck, for her magic fingers are under my mystic spell. I am the most travelled cat that ever lived. I have breakfasted in a gondola at Venice and have "done" Paris and Berlin. I have been to America and Monte Carlo (they like me there, I can tell you), and, in fact, everywhere. They say a cat may look at a king, but I have been fondled by all the Royalties of Europe, and have been to Osborne and Balmoral in the company of the late Empress Frederick, the Duchess of Argyle, the Archduchess Stephanie of Austria, and Princess Beatrice of Battenberg. I have been personally presented to Queen Alexandra, and Princess Ina named one of her dolls after me. One thing very much annoyed one. When my mistress first took me to the German Imperial Court they called me - what do you think? - Othello! Of course I had to put up with it - if you are a courtier you have to put up with lots of things.

My photograph, with a big bunch of white heather, has appeared in many papers - perhaps no doubt you have seen it? Such is fame. I assist all sorts of charities, including the Fresh Air Fund, and I always help at the Fancy Fairs given in aid of the Dumb Friends' League. I graciously allow people to stroke me for money, which goes to the charity. In return for this, of course, I bring them luck. Wrapped in a shawl I make a tour of concert-rooms, and my postcards are sold for charity. It isn't every cat who could say as much. My dear mistress says I have brought her much success. She has got heaps of medals and decorations from Royal people and musical societies, and I help her with my good influence. She is very grateful to me, and in Who's Who - a book about people - she writes that one of her recreations is "taking care of White Heather (the celebrated cat)."

Now I have told you my life, and how I bring good luck. This true story will bring you luck if you cut it out and sleep with it under your pillow. (No, Mr. Editor, it isn't a story with n purr-puss.) - White Heather.

In 1932, a writer for the Liverpool Post and Mercury (16th June, 1932) wrote, as part of a reminiscence of Janotha upon her death: "The Tale of the Cat. One of the great devotions of Janotha's middle years was for her ink-black cat, White Heather, from which she was never parted during the course of its (for a cat) long life. She had queer ideas about it, believing it to be the reincarnation of a great saint, and when it died she had it cremated; and when she played in public thereafter the little case containing its ashes was always placed on the grand piano. When she accepted an encore, back came the ashes. I did not know her during the cat's lifetime, but had heard of the beast, and once, when she exhibited emotion at some casual mention of white heather, I said casually, 'Oh, wasn't that the name of your poor cat?' Janotha stiffened. 'Why poor?' she demanded. Feeling sorry I had spoken, I murmured something about our custom of calling 'poor' anything that was dead. She fumbled in her handbag and produced a small case which she tapped triumphantly. 'He is not dead, he is here,' she cried, with utmost conviction."

In August 1915, over concerns about her links to the German Court and her criticism of the English, Janotha was deported. There is no mention of whether she had a cat at that time, but if she did, she was given no time to pack any belongings. Nevertheless, White Heather was mentioned almost as much as his mistress in the reports!

In its report of Janotha's deportation, The Daily News & Leader (10th August 1915) had this to say: "In the public mind Mdlle. Janotha was always associated with the fine black cat, 'White Heather.' which died about ten years ago, and which up to then was her almost invariable companion. No cat had a more aristocratic circle of acquaintances; certainly no cat had been petted and stroked by more Royal hands. The death of 'White Heather' appeared to be at the bottom of an unpleasant police-court case, culminating in an action for false imprisonment, in which a settlement was arranged [. . .] 'Beauty, nobility, genius distinguish my White Heather,' she once told an interviewer. 'When we go to Court White Heather's head is the proudest of all. Queen Alexandra has no fonder favourite.' "

The Daily Mirror (10th August 1915) wrote: "Mlle. Maria Cecilia Natalie Janotha, the Kaiser's favourite pianist, who was arrested in London on Sunday by two Scotland Yard officers, has been deported from Tilbury. [. . .] Although in 'Who's Who' for 1915 Mlle. Janotha's address is given as Grosvenor-street, W., it was in a big house at Holland Park-avenue that the police found her. She was given no time to pack up, but was taken away in a cab within two minutes of the arrival of the detectives. [. . .] At various times interesting stories have been current as to her black cat, Prince White Heather, which was always accorded a place of honour, when she was attending public functions. [. . .] In 'Who's Who' her recreations are given as 'visiting the Chapel of Our Blessed Lady at Czestochowa, playing the organ, reading great works, mountaineering, and taking care of Prince White Heather' (the celebrated cat)."

In the obituary in 1932, the Liverpool Post and Mercury (16th June, 1932) summed up the deportation: "Although at one time I knew Mlle. (not Madame) Nathalie Janotha fairly well, I had imagined, until I read my papers this morning, that she died some years ago. She lost most of her English friends during the war, when she was deported because of her too-great fondness for Germany and the Kaiser. The story went that she was related to the War Lord, which may or may not have been true. Queen Alexandra, who could not bring herself to believe that Janotha was unfriendly to a country that had been her home for long, and who had great admiration for her gifts as a pianist, pleaded for her, but to no avail. For a period Janotha lived in that preserve of men, Albany, off Piccadilly, in a flat lent by her friend, John Oliver Hobbes, surrounded by symbols of her faith, for she was a devout Catholic."

She eventually took up residence in The Hague and died in 1932. English and American papers mentioned White Heather in her obituaries.