Meaning: The quote "But cats to me are strange, so strange I cannot sleep if one is near" is from the poet W. H. Davies. This quote reflects the poet's feelings of unease and discomfort around cats. It captures a sense of unfamiliarity and perhaps even fear of these animals, to the extent that the poet experiences difficulty sleeping when a cat is in close proximity.

W. H. Davies was a Welsh poet and writer known for his vivid and evocative portrayal of nature and the human experience. Born in 1871 in Newport, Wales, Davies' early life was marked by hardship and struggle. After a period of wandering and exploring the United States and Canada, Davies returned to the United Kingdom and published his first book of poetry, titled "The Soul's Destroyer," in 1905. He gained widespread recognition for his work, and his most famous collection, "The Autobiography of a Super-Tramp," was published in 1908.

In the context of the quote, it is important to consider the poet's personal experiences and perspective. It is evident that W. H. Davies harbored a sense of unease or discomfort around cats, leading to a feeling of strangeness and an inability to sleep when one was nearby. This sentiment may be rooted in a specific encounter or series of experiences with cats that left a lasting impression on the poet.

The quote also raises broader questions about human-animal relationships and the ways in which individuals perceive and interact with different species. The notion of something being "strange" suggests a sense of unfamiliarity or otherness, highlighting the subjective nature of human experiences and emotions. For Davies, cats may have represented an enigmatic and unsettling presence that disrupted his sense of comfort and security.

It is worth noting that fear or discomfort around certain animals is not uncommon and can be influenced by a range of factors, including personal experiences, cultural beliefs, and individual temperament. Some individuals may have specific phobias or aversions to certain animals, while others may simply feel uneasy or unsettled in their presence.

In the context of literature and poetry, the quote serves as a reminder of the diverse ways in which writers and artists engage with the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. Animals have long been a source of inspiration and symbolism in literature, often representing complex themes and emotions. In the case of W. H. Davies, the quote reflects a deeply personal response to the presence of cats, capturing a sense of disquietude and the profound impact of this experience on the poet's state of mind.

In conclusion, the quote "But cats to me are strange, so strange I cannot sleep if one is near" by W. H. Davies encapsulates the poet's feelings of unease and discomfort around cats. It offers insight into the subjective nature of human-animal relationships and the ways in which individuals perceive and respond to different species. Through his evocative language and personal reflection, Davies invites readers to consider the complexities of human emotions and the profound influence of the natural world on our inner lives.