🐾 Cats Don’t Carpool: The Leadership Blog Series
People often ask if the cats in Cats Don’t Carpool are symbolic.
They are - but they’re also very real, with names, quirks, and full-blown personalities that shaped every page of the book.
So, let me introduce you to the real-life clowder that taught me what leadership, teamwork, and the occasional hiss really look like.
Ninja - The Alpha (and Original Trailblazer)
The story started with Ninja. He was the first to follow Bailey and me on our walks-bold, curious, and confident. He didn’t just join the team; he recruited it, bringing along other cats one by one.
He taught me that true leaders don’t force others to follow-they inspire them through consistency, courage, and maybe a shared snack.
Mama’s Boy - The Beta
The loyal second-in-command. He’s a protector, babysitter, and peacekeeper all in one. Always around, rarely dramatic, and quick to defuse tension (unless another male shows up).
He reminds me that quiet leadership-steady, dependable, never flashy-keeps everything running smoothly.
Chloe - The Matriarch
Every colony has a boss, and Chloe is ours. She runs a tight ship, mothers everyone in sight, and doesn’t hesitate to remind the others who’s in charge.
She taught me that strength and nurturing aren’t opposites-they’re partners.
Little Bit - The Alpha-Beta Hybrid
Confident, social, and affectionate (especially with Bailey). She’ll take charge when needed but still respects her mother, Chloe.
She’s proof that effective leaders know when to step up and when to step back.
Tigger - The Alpha-in-Training
Skittish but bossy, loyal but independent. Tigger likes control but is learning that leadership isn’t just about calling the shots-it’s about knowing when to let others help.
Gracie - The Free Spirit
Gracie’s story started when she was a five-week-old kitten with a broken leg who cried until I took her home. Now she’s full of energy and creativity—half cat, half dog (thanks to Bailey’s influence).
She reminds me that great leaders adapt and grow stronger through care, not control.
Bailey - The Steady Guardian
Okay, not a cat-but Bailey’s patience and calm energy made him the unintentional leader of the entire clowder.
He taught me that leading doesn’t always mean being in charge; sometimes it means being the one others feel safe following.
These weren’t just pets-they were teachers, teammates, and the very heart of Cats Don’t Carpool.
Their personalities became the foundation for each archetype, from the loud and proud to the loyal and quiet.
Because leadership, like cat herding, isn’t about control.
It’s about trust, timing, and knowing when to offer the treat.
📘 Cats Don’t Carpool: They Come in Their Own Accord is available now!