'Real cougar' on prowl to redefine stereotype in Oklahoma City

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Cathy Velte is not your average 54-year-old. The Oklahoma City woman is a successful medical researcher. Financially secure, she’s single, beautiful and confident. She’s a speed junkie who races cars professionally. And she’s proud to be a cougar.

But wait. Most people think of a cougar as a lonely, desperate woman over 40 who is on the prowl for a younger man. That hardly describes Velte.

That’s because Velte is one of thousands of women on a crusade to redefine the term cougar as applied to women.

"It is an attitude; it’s just a confident attitude,” Velte said. "It’s where you are in your life. ... Most of us are very well-established in our careers and know what we want. Sexually, we’re mature, and we don’t play games. It makes us attractive to younger men.”

But Velte doesn’t pursue younger men. They pursue her. That’s the biggest distinction she sees between the popular notion of cougar and Velte’s definition of a "real cougar.”

Velte remembers a time when she was at a racetrack, and a young man approached her.

"You look fabulous,” he said. "I would love to take you out. Can I have your phone number?”

The two chatted for a moment, and the man told Velte he was 22.

"I have a 24-year-old son,” she said, laughing.

"I don’t care,” the young man said.

"I do,” Velte said.

"It was very flattering to me, but I just have the confidence that I think attracts younger men,” she said. "For what I do, motor sports, you have to have that. That’s a ‘man’s world.’ They don’t think we can drive. They think we’re dangerous. But, boy, do they have a surprise coming.”