cat

Cats are a notable presence in the household of the elderly woman whom Alex and his droogs target for burglary in the Oldtown district. The woman, a reclusive widow, lives surrounded by a large number of cats of all shapes, colors, and ages—black, white, tabby, ginger, tortoise-shell—including kittens, full-grown cats, and bad-tempered old ones. They crawl over the carpet, bits of fur floating in the air, and the house has a musty smell of cats and fish. The woman treats them as her family, talking to them and pouring milk into saucers for them.

Role in the Burglary and Violence

During the break-in, the cats become active participants in the chaos. When Alex slips on a milk saucer and falls, the cats panic, running and jumping, some attacking each other. Two of them, as if obeying the old woman's command, jump on Alex and scratch him fiercely. The woman herself uses a walking stick to hit Alex, and the struggle involves the cats throughout, adding to the confusion and violence of the scene. Alex, in his rage, strikes the woman with a silver statue, killing her.

Aftermath and Consequences

The cat lady's death has direct consequences for Alex. The cats are left without anyone to look after them until the will is read, so the police sell Alex's belongings—including his stereo, clothes, and other personal items—to pay for their feeding. This is done under a new regulation concerning compensation for victims. When Alex returns home after his release from prison, he finds his room stripped and his possessions gone, a bitter reminder of the crime and its repercussions. The cats, though minor characters, thus serve as a catalyst for Alex's material loss and a symbol of the unintended consequences of his violence.