Jason Nolen may primarily be recognized as a dedicated sociology and criminology professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, yet his living room offers a vivid glimpse into another facet of his life. Adorned with an impressive array of cat-themed artwork, the space is a heartfelt representation of his profound love for cats, a commitment that has flourished for over eight years.
In addition to his academic achievements at UW-Madison, Nolen passionately manages @cats_of_madison, a vibrant Instagram account spotlighting the myriad feline residents of Madison. He shared with The Daily Cardinal that the account sprang to life in 2016 after a spontaneous post featuring a neighborhood cat on his personal account—a moment that highlighted the absence of a dedicated platform for Madison’s furry friends.
Since its inception, the account has grown exponentially, captivating over 27,000 followers with daily showcases of cats that Nolen has encountered on porches, within shelters, and in the welcoming homes of local residents. “After it became popular, I was like, okay, the pressure’s on,” Nolen remarked with a smile. “Then I realized, ‘Wait, where am I going to find cats to take pictures of?’ It turned out that cats are everywhere—they’re literally lounging on porches in abundance. I trained my eye to spot them.”
In pursuit of his feline subjects, Nolen developed the delightful ritual of going on “catwalks,” intentionally wandering through neighborhoods known for their cat inhabitants. He identified eastern isthmus areas like Monroe Street, Marquette, and Williamson Street as the prime “cat hot spots,” where he likely encounters numerous porch-dwelling cats.
As his account gained traction, Nolen began to receive heartfelt requests from followers asking him to photograph their cats within the comforts of their homes—a service he gladly provides at no cost. “There are so many cats I know now that also know me,” Nolen said, reflecting on his evolving relationships with these animals. “It’s touching when a cat that is generally skittish approaches me; it signifies that I’ve built a certain level of trust with them.”
Though Nolen has never considered himself a natural photographer, he acknowledges that, through consistent practice, he has honed his skills in capturing the perfect angles that effectively “demonstrate a cat’s personality.” His progress is a testament to the melange of dedication and passion he puts into his work.
“If I ever wanted to pursue a different career, I believe I could become a cat behaviorist,” Nolen expressed. “I’ve absorbed so much knowledge about cat behavior—how to move, act, and interact with them—all aimed at earning their trust.” This newfound understanding fuels his enthusiasm for engaging with felines of all kinds.
Nolen maintains a “backlog” of photographs, ensuring that even during the colder months when porch cats retreat inside, his content will keep his audience entertained.
Madisonians feel paw-sitive about community cat bonding
Nolen has built strong partnerships with local cat shelters, including the well-regarded Madison Cat Project. He typically visits these shelters a few days prior to the weekly adoption fairs, capturing heartwarming photos of adoptable cats that help increase their visibility. His efforts have established a bridge between the community and the cats in need of homes.
Shelter workers have shared with Nolen that many visitors attend the adoption fairs specifically to meet a cat they first spotted on Cats of Madison. Nolen treasures the direct messages from followers, which warm his heart.
“People tell me my account is the highlight of their day,” Nolen reflected, deeply moved. “When I hear such heartfelt sentiments, it almost brings me to tears. It fills me with joy.” In addition to his photographic endeavors, Nolen has also played a role in reuniting lost cats with their owners, forging a strong sense of community and support among local cat enthusiasts.
When Nolen learns of a beloved neighborhood cat’s passing, he makes it a point to honor their memory, sharing posts that pay tribute and acknowledging their impact within the community. “For cats I’ve photographed, I’ll gather all the posts I did about them in my stories, adding their name and flowers on either side,” Nolen said with reverence. “Cats of Madison evolves into a communal space for shared grief, which resonates deeply with me.”
Cats on campus
Nolen began his journey as a lecturer at UW-Madison in fall 2022, teaching courses on sociology, ethnicity, and criminology. Next semester, he will debut a unique course titled Sociology of Companion Animals, drawing on his real-world experiences and insights from his interactions with pets.
In his criminology classes, Nolen has incorporated images and videos of his cats, inviting his students to share pictures of their own pets as well. “At the start of each lecture, I dedicate a moment to showcase one of their pets, sharing fun facts and interesting stories,” Nolen said. This personal touch has resonated with his students, creating a vibrant classroom atmosphere.
Propriety dictates that he refrains from disclosing his Instagram accounts, including @dogs.of.madison, opting instead to wait until a diligent student connects the dots.
“The most rewarding aspect of all this is the friendships I’ve formed with so many local cats,” Nolen reflected warmly. “It may seem a bit unconventional, but these connections have become a significant and meaningful part of my social life, proving just how deeply I care for cats.”
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Ella Hanley
Ella Hanley serves as the associate news editor for The Daily Cardinal, where she focuses on breaking news across city, state, and campus landscapes. Follow her on Twitter at @ellamhanley.
What inspired Jason Nolen to start the “Cats of Madison” project?
**Interview with Jason Nolen: Professor and Cat Enthusiast**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Jason. Your dual life as a sociology professor and a cat photographer is fascinating. Can you start by telling us a bit about how “Cats of Madison” began and what inspired you to create this unique platform?
**Jason Nolen:** Thank you for having me! The whole thing started quite spontaneously in 2016. I posted a picture of a cat I encountered in my neighborhood on my personal Instagram account. It got such a positive response that I thought, “Why not create a dedicated space for all the wonderful cats in Madison?” It became clear that there was no platform celebrating our feline friends, so Cats of Madison was born.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like a delightful project! Your account has garnered over 27,000 followers. What do you think draws people to your content?
**Jason Nolen:** Honestly, I think it’s the connection. Cats have this charm and personality that resonate with so many people. Each post aims to highlight their unique traits, and I try to capture that special spark in them. Plus, cat lovers enjoy finding solace in their shared love of these animals—it’s heartwarming to see people come together through this account.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned developing a ritual of taking “catwalks” to find these furry subjects. What’s that experience like?
**Jason Nolen:** It’s such a joy! I spend time wandering through neighborhoods known for their porch-dwelling cats. Areas like Monroe Street and Williamson Street have become my favorite spots. I’m always on the lookout, and it’s almost like a treasure hunt—I can spot them lounging anywhere! There’s something magical about those moments of discovery.
**Interviewer:** That’s wonderful! You also provide photography services for local cat owners at no cost. How did that come about?
**Jason Nolen:** As the account gained traction, followers began reaching out, asking if I could photograph their cats at home. I found it fulfilling to offer that personal touch, so I gladly accepted. Connecting with these cats and their owners has deepened my relationships within the community, and it’s truly heartwarming to see the trust building over time.
**Interviewer:** You’ve built strong partnerships with local shelters as well. How has that impacted your work?
**Jason Nolen:** It’s been incredibly rewarding. I visit shelters like the Madison Cat Project before adoption fairs to take pictures of adoptable cats. Those images can make a huge difference in visibility and lead people to the cats they eventually adopt. I cherish the messages from followers who tell me they came specifically to meet a cat they discovered through my account.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like your work has a significant impact on the Madison community. How do you handle the emotional aspects of the bond with these animals, especially when they pass away?
**Jason Nolen:** It’s tough, but I believe it’s essential to honor their memory. When I learn about a beloved cat passing, I try to pay tribute by sharing all the posts I did about them. It’s a way to celebrate their life in the community and create a space for shared grief. It’s important to acknowledge the bond we all have with these animals.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, if you could pursue a completely different career inspired by your experiences with cats, what would it be?
**Jason Nolen:** I think I could easily see myself as a cat behaviorist! Over the years, I’ve learned so much about how to interact with them and earn their trust. It’s a fascinating field, and my passion for understanding cat behavior has only grown through this journey.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jason! It’s been a pleasure learning about Cats of Madison and your dedication to both your students and the feline community.
**Jason Nolen:** Thank you! I appreciate the opportunity to share my story.
