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Nietzsche the cat coping with fame

Nietzsche is handling his celebrity well.
Nietzsche, the cat who lives at The Book Man. JENNA HAUCK/ PROGRESS FILE
Nietzsche

Nietzsche is handling his celebrity well.

So well in fact, the famed bookstore cat is now embarking on a promotional tour.

After being named top bookstore cat last year by AbeBooks.com, one of the largest, independent, online marketplaces for new, used, rare and out-of-print books, Nietzsche's star status has skyrocketed.

In partnership with The Book Man (Nietzsche's agent) Nietzsche released 50 limited edition bookmarks – all "pawtographed" by the cat himself – to celebrate the honour.

In just three days the bookmarks sold out and raised $250 for Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven, the place where Nietzsche's talents were first discovered.

Three months later, people are still clamouring for a Nietzsche sighting, hounding him for pawtographs, begging for more bookmarks, and some even come with cameras ready to paparazzi the feline at a moment's notice.

And Nietzsche, being the level-headed, lovable star that he is, gives his fans what his fans want.

Under The Book Man's direction, Nietzsche will be releasing a 12-month calendar with images of him plastered throughout.

But because Nietzsche is such a busy cat, what with interviews and photo shoots and store-front appearances, he can't possibly do it all on his own. So, he's making a deal with loyal fans.

Anyone interesting in submitting art of Nietzsche for the calendar can make an appointment with The Book Man to hang out with Nietzsche while creating the artwork. Any medium is permitted, including paintings, drawings, photographs, quilt work, weaving, rug hooking, sculptures, etc. as long as it's in the likeness of Nietzsche.

Only 12 pieces will be selected, but Nietzsche's agents are already thinking big.

"I'm thinking crazy," said Amber Short, manager of The Book Man. "If we get enough, maybe we'll get gallery space and do a Nietzsche show."

The calendar will be released in January 2012 with proceeds going to Chilliwack Animal Safe Haven.

Anyone interested in participating can contact The Book Man at 604-792-4595.

So what's next for Nietzsche?

Sources have told the Progress that the peaches and cream coloured feline has got his eyes set on beating out George Clooney's cat for this year's Sexiest Cat Alive contest.

Stay tuned.

kbartel@theprogress.com