In class we talked about the cat, mentioned on pages 208-209, being one of the animal references linked with Ignatius' sexuality. I interpreted the cat reference a little bit differently. I think Ignatius was intrigued by the cat because he could relate to it, not because he was sexually attracted to it. The people of New Orleans are so quick in judging Ignatius as a crazy guy that they overlook his true genius and don't even give him a chance. Igatius says, "This cat hasn't been given a chance" by the health inspector, who assumes the cat is filthy when in reality "cats are notoriously sanitary." See the similarity?