Niek, Twain did have a genuine love of cats. I believe you have misread Fanning's book. Fanning theorizes that Orion's delegating the duty of killing unwanted kittens to young Sam was a source of a deep-seated grievance that Sam held for his brother. For related items see Twain's cat quotes at: http://www.twainquotes.com/Cats.html and the testimonials from others who knew him at: http://www.twainquotes.com/Bambino.html Another related page that may be of interest: http://www.twainquotes.com/Vivisection.html Twain wrote numerous items condemning animal cruelty. Barb