Mega-thread for #InternationalCatDay, highlighting the marvelous moggies in (recently digitised) @BritishLibrary Harley 6563, an early English 14th c. book of hours. Here's a black cat despondently playing a psaltery while stuffing a large mouse into its mouth (f. 43v) [1/10] 
Cat plays the rebec (BL Harley 6563 f. 40r). Cats were associated with bowed instruments (although the 'catgut' strings were actually sheep intestines). There was even a London inn c. 1500 called Le Cat cum le Fydell... #InternationalCatDay [2/10]
This mischievous cat has decided to torment you with bagpipes! (BL Harley 6563 f. 40v). The manuscript is packed with musical animals. My favourite book of hours by far! #InternationalCatDay [3/10]
Yes, I know it's #InternationalCatDay but can't resist post this dog playing the hurdy gurdy. You can practically hear the drone! Harley 6563 f. 43r (entire digitised manuscript here: bl.uk/manuscripts/Fu… )[4/10]
See on the left the evil mice setting up the siege engine to attack Cat Castle on the right. Cat is desperately throwing stones at the mice attackers! British Library Harley 6563 f. 71v-72r [5/10] #InternationalCatDay
Here at Mouse Castle, the mice throw rocks onto a rather poorly looking feline attacker below. British Library Harley 6563 f. 72v #InternationalCatDay [6/10]
Determined cat with a crossbow! Those mice don't know what's coming! British Library Harley 6563 f. 72v. (@lauraandandi! Things that Go Twang with Crossbow Cats. Probably a guild member). #InternationalCatDay [7/10]
Cat with long bow faces mouse with spear. Spot that apart from one black cat, all the cats are grey and striped, which is the typical medieval cat colour pattern. Cat vs Mouse...what happens next? British Library Harley 6563 f. 73v-74v #InternationalCatDay [8/10]
OH NOOOOO! Tragic! The next facing pages (British Library Harley 6563 74r-75r) show mouse throwing spear successfully at his feline opponent. But the Mouse Cat War will continue! [9/10] #InternationalCatDay
I was examining Harley 6563 once in Manuscripts Room when told to evacuate down small staircase due to fire alarm. Briefly had visions of escaping flames with ms, like Richard Bentley clutching Codex Alexandrinus from Ashburnham House (Reader. This did not happen) f. 91v [10/10]
