My Cats’ Opinions on My Latest Violin

You might think the most important critics of a newly finished violin are soloists, orchestral musicians, or serious collectors. In my workshop, however, the final judgment comes from creatures with whiskers, strong opinions, and absolutely no interest in market trends. Yes, my cats.

Four-legged (in this case, three-legged, as one is a newly rescued cat) critics with very high standards.

Now, Italian violins are beloved by musicians for good reasons — incredible tone, expressive sound, and craftsmanship rooted in centuries-old tradition. But do my cats care about that? Let’s find out.

“It Resonates Well for a Nap Spot”

I placed the latest violin on the bench for a quick post-setup check. The cats circled it like they would a cardboard box. After careful inspection (which included sniffing every corner and one gentle swat at the E string), the verdict was in:“Fine resonance but insufficient elevation for napping.”To be fair, Cremonese instruments are prized for their rich, warm sound and resonance that can rival the human voice in clarity and warmth — a quality musicians chase for decades. That’s no small compliment.

“Your Varnish is Pleasant but Needs More Shininess”

Italian violin makers often use hand-applied varnishes and traditional techniques carried forward in Cremona’s workshops, keeping alive the classic aesthetic and acoustic qualities that make these instruments unique.

My cats, however, seem to think varnish exists to reflect sunlight directly into their eyes while they nap.

“Wood Quality? Acceptable. Where Are the Scratching Posts?”

A well-made violin starts with exquisite wood — usually carefully selected spruce and maple that have been aged and seasoned with patience and expertise.

But my cats’ concern was different: “Nice wood, but is it on sale with a marking claw discount?”

“Sound Is Nice, but Too Much Bowing Interrupts Lunch”

Many professional musicians and collectors understand the joy of playing a violin that feels alive in the hands — the way it responds to the bow, its balance, and how it projects in a hall. That’s why instruments from Cremona (including violins, violas, and cellos like the ones I handcraft in my workshop) are treasured worldwide.

My cats, however, have their own priorities. A perfect sound is only perfect if it doesn’t disturb lunch.

“Recommendation: Add Feathers or Strings for Swatting”

While musicians appreciate an instrument for tonal clarity, balance, and expressive responsiveness, cats appreciate it for its potential interaction points, especially if they resemble loose strings or dangling shadows. Thinking about marketing strategy, maybe every violin should come with a toy.

Final Verdict: Purr-Approved (Mostly)

To wrap it up, my cats have decided the instrument is adequately interesting, though somewhat overrated as a napping perch. Whether they truly understand violin acoustics is debated, but their subtle tail twitches near the G-string suggest approval.

For humans, however — serious players and collectors — the story is different. A Cremonese violin’s craftsmanship, tradition, and sound quality are what make it beloved.