How Did Cat’s Call Originate?

Back in 2002, I followed the advice of a friend and decided to create an advice column. I was living in Pittsburgh at the time, so I pitched my column idea to the Post-Gazette and it struck the attention of the then-Managing Editor. At the most I hoped to be considered as a monthly contributor – I had no idea the newspaper was looking to fill Ann Landers’ coveted spot. A few months (yes, months) later, after a few edits, rewrites, resubmissions and several follow-up letters, emails and phone calls, I got a surprising phone call. The editor said, “we really like it, we want to run it.” My first column ran on Saturday, October 5, 2002, on the comics page, in Ann Landers’ former spot.

Word has it that you have a political background, or at least that you are a politically-minded person. What are your views?

I don’t have a political background in that I never held public office or engaged in a scandal (with an elected official, anyway). That background refers to my education (Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Master’s degree in Comparative Politics) and pre-Cat’s Call work experience in Washington & Pgh. As for personal politics, I consider myself very liberal and progressive on most issues, and for the time being I am a registered Democrat.

Do you personally read all your mail, or do you quickly flip through everything just to find good questions for the column?

I not only read every piece of mail, I also respond to every piece in as timely a manner as possible. It might take me a few days or longer to respond but you will hear from me. As for digging through mail to find juicy, column-worthy questions, there is no need. My paws have more important things to do – like getting to work on the next column!

• Cat Note To People Who Send ‘Off The Record’ Questions: Cat’s Call is a published advice column, not a hotline, so all content received is considered potential material for publication. I do not ‘privately’ answer questions unless a situation is dangerous, extremely time-sensitive or in some other way really merits it. I make exceptions here and there, but it’s rare.

About column questions: Where do you get them? How do you choose which questions to run in the column? Do you ever make them up?

People often ask if the questions in advice columns are made up by the author. That might be the case in other columns, but never in Cat’s Call. I receive questions from all over the globe, from people representing vastly diverse demographics.

Which questions make the cut for the printed column? That depends on a few factors including: length, relevance and general thematic appeal. Cat’s Call is extremely open about subject matter, but I draw the line at profanity, nonsensical drunken ramblings, personal attacks on myself or anyone else, and classified information.

What are Cat Polls?

I like to know what people think, and there’s no better way to learn than to ask questions. I love elections and voting is one of the greatest ways to make your voice heard and your opinion count. Cat Polls address all sorts of topics, but particularly juicy, divisive or volatile subjects. Sometimes the results of Cat Polls allow me to see what others think before I answer a question in print and sometimes the results make me reconsider my own position. Often we assume people feel one way about a subject only to discover it’s quite the opposite. I love when that happens – you learn something and maybe check your assumptions. Check out the latest Cat Poll and cast your vote! Have a a suggestion for a poll? Submit it and you might see your question next time around.

What is Cat’s Pause?

Cat’s Pause includes published articles, editorials and essays published only on Catscall.com. Read a few, offer your opinion, see it posted on the What’s NOT Printed page. When something funny or sexy or fascinating makes you pause and think about it… that’s Cat’s Pause. Pauses can be about anything, but most often they are inspired by subjects sent to the column and warrant further ‘calling’. If a topic is compelling enough I write about it in a more lengthy format than the printed column allows. Readers frequently ask me to delve further into certain topics so… that’s what Cat’s Pause is for.