Case in point: One memorable conversation between Alice and the Cat happens when she asks him for directions: He first asks her where she is headed. Alice says that she doesn’t care where. To which the Cat responds: "Then it doesn't matter which way you go…" "--so long as I get SOMEWHERE," Alice continues. "Oh, you're sure to do that," he said, "if you only walk long enough."

By the way, these are among some of the best-known Cheshire-cat quotes.

During another conversation, Alice tells the Cat that she doesn’t want to be around mad people. The Cat responds that that's too bad because she is mad too. Otherwise, the Cat argues, she would not be in that strange land.

Another notable encounter happens when the Cat suddenly appears at the Queen’s Croquet Ground and he’s sentenced to death. Alice is happy to see him. As usual, he does his vanishing act, disappearing slowly until just the head is left. A debate ensues about whether such a creature can indeed be decapitated.

The Grinning Cat

One of the best-known characteristics of this mischievous cat (in addition to his vanishing acts) is his grin. In fact, when he disappears, the only thing that is left visible is his mischievous grin.

He appears and disappears so quickly that at some point in the story Alice complains that he should stop disappearing so suddenly because she's becoming really giddy. He complies with Alice by disappearing really slowly, starting at the head and then continuing with the rest of his body, until only the grin is left. Alice says to herself that she’s seen many cats without a grin, but that a grin without a cat was the most curious thing she ever saw.

Interestingly enough, the phrase "To grin like a Cheshire cat" was common in Lewis Carroll’s day.

Possible inspiration for the Cheshire-cat

Some experts believe that Lewis Carroll’s inspiration came from an artisan who painted signs for inns and other establishments of the area. These signs depicted grinning felines. Others believe that the author was inspired by a window in the Christ Church, located in Oxford, where you can see three grinning animals.

Gift ideas

Here are a few gift ideas for those cat lovers who love this colorful character and Alice in Wonderland.

• Give a copy of the book.

• Better yet, give both Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. There is an edition containing both works.

• You can give a DVD of the Alice in Wonderland movie. In fact, there are different versions to choose from: From the classic Disney animated film, to the 1999 television movie produced by NBC.

• Give Cheshire-cat inspired jewelry. I particularly like Cheshire-cat Italian charms.

• Cheshire cat art: Posters and art prints of Alice and the Cheshire-cat make wonderful gifts.

• A Cheshire-cat themed figurine will delight fans and collectors of this unusual cat.

• You can also give Cheshire-cat inspired mugs, t-shirts, and even throws.

• For children, and the young at heart, a Cheshire-cat plush toy makes a fun choice. Another fun choice is a Cheshire cat costume.