Ailurophile

AILUROPHILE

Noun. Also -phil. Mid-20th century.

[from Greek ailouros cat + -PHILE] 

A lover of cats. 

There has long been the stereotype of the mentally unstable ailurophile, unable to form proper human connections and almost definitely a spinster, as epitomised by Crazy Cat Lady, a recurring character in The Simpsons.

Is this a stereotype without foundation?

Is an ailurophile just someone that really, really loves cats?

Feel free to leave any comments or elucidating links on the subject below.