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Curated by Brazilian journalist Paula Leite Moreira, this growing archive of vintage cat photography brings together rare images from different eras, ranging from candid everyday moments to striking portraits of well-known figures posing with their feline companions.

Sourced from international photo libraries, magazines, and historical records, the collection highlights just how deeply cats have been woven into human life for over a century. Some photographs capture celebrities on movie sets or at home with their cats, while others show ordinary people sharing quiet, intimate moments with pets that look just as curious, aloof, or affectionate as cats do today.

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#1

Cher

Black and white vintage photo of a woman holding a black cat showcasing timeless feline charm and classic style.

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Malia Manocherian
Malia Manocherian
Community Member
1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is so stunning, this is a gorgeous photo! That cat is so cute too 🐈‍⬛

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What makes this selection especially compelling is its balance between cultural history and simple charm. About half of the images document famous faces and cinematic or historical contexts, while the rest celebrate anonymous, everyday cats whose stories were never written down but preserved through photography.

Together, they form a visual timeline that shows how little our relationship with cats has changed. Fashion, cities, and technology evolve, yet cats remain effortlessly iconic, stealing attention whether they’re sitting in a child’s lap, lounging beside a star, or staring directly into the camera with timeless confidence.
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    #2

    Audrey Hepburn

    Black and white vintage photo of a woman holding a cat, showcasing timeless feline charm and classic pet moments.

    allvintagecats Report

    33points
    POST
    gaillott avatar
    Gail Lott
    Gail Lott
    Community Member
    Premium     1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh, Audrey... (happy sigh) What a wonderful human.

    12
    12points
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    #3

    Michael J. Fox

    Black and white vintage photo of a person holding a cat, showcasing timeless feline charm and classic cat photography.

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    32points
    POST
    gregglevine avatar
    Gregg Levine
    Gregg Levine
    Community Member
    5 days ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But who is the cat that claims the photo?

    0
    0points
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    #4

    Sophia Loren

    Black and white vintage photo of a woman holding a fluffy cat, showcasing timeless feline charm from history.

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    30points
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    vivianekatz avatar
    Vinnie
    Vinnie
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mother-in-law was an extra in a Sophia Loren movie. She said the star was pleasant.

    6
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    #5

    Edward Gorey

    Older man with a vintage cat resting on his shoulder, showcasing timeless feline charm in a black and white photo.

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    28points
    POST
    lindacowley avatar
    Auntriarch
    Auntriarch
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like my dad. The man not the cat. He died yesterday just after midnight.

    8
    8points
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    #6

    David Bowie

    Black and white vintage photo of a person in a leather jacket holding a cat, showcasing timeless feline charm.

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    27points
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    Shark Lady
    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think is my favorite photograph of David Bowie.

    11
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    #7

    Diane Keaton

    Black and white vintage cat photo of a smiling woman standing near a fridge with a cat perched on top, showcasing timeless feline charm.

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    27points
    POST
    vivianekatz avatar
    Vinnie
    Vinnie
    Community Member
    1 week ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That might be Buster. Yes, Buster Keaton like the silent film star.

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    #8

    Claudia Cardinale

    Smiling woman holding a vintage Siamese cat close to her face showcasing timeless feline charm in a retro black and white photo.

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    27points
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    #9

    Woman in a vintage gown playing with two cats, showcasing timeless feline charm in a classic black and white photo.

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    27points
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    mbbookkeeping avatar
    Starbug
    Starbug
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mary Jane Russel, Americal model

    4
    4points
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    #10

    Masahisa Fukase (Japanese Photographer)

    Vintage cat photo showing a cat playfully covering an elderly woman's face, capturing timeless feline charm and affection.

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    25points
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    #11

    Linus Pauling (American Chemist)

    Vintage black and white photo of a smiling elderly man with a cat on his shoulder showcasing timeless feline charm.

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    25points
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    #12

    Carmen Miranda

    Vintage cat photo of a smiling woman holding a wide-eyed Siamese cat showcasing timeless feline charm from history.

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    25points
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    vivianekatz avatar
    Vinnie
    Vinnie
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Smile for the camera, kitty." "I'm trying!"

    4
    4points
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    #13

    Vintage black and white photo of a child playing piano with a yawning cat, capturing timeless feline charm and playful history.

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    25points
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    vivianekatz avatar
    Vinnie
    Vinnie
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Look up Nora the piano-playing cat.

    3
    3points
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    #14

    A vintage black and white photo showing a group of kittens in a woven basket, capturing timeless feline charm.

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    25points
    POST
    batwench avatar
    Batwench
    Batwench
    Community Member
    Premium     1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Crazy cat lady starter kit.

    5
    5points
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    #15

    Carole Lombard

    Vintage black and white photo of a woman holding a black cat showcasing timeless feline charm from history.

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    24points
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    vivianekatz avatar
    Vinnie
    Vinnie
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Watch where you point that cat!

    4
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    #16

    Black and white vintage cat sitting on a podium with a microphone in front of the White House emblem indoors.

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    24points
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    el_bali avatar
    Mari
    Mari
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If only this cat was the president now

    26
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    #17

    Sally Smith

    Black and white vintage photo of a woman holding a tabby cat, highlighting timeless feline charm from history.

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    23points
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    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Actress? Debutante? Lady with cat?

    2
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    #18

    Vintage cat photo showing a child and kitten sharing milk through straws, capturing timeless feline charm from history.

    allvintagecats Report

    23points
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    victoriahowell avatar
    Victoria Howell
    Victoria Howell
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This could be Shirley Temple I think.

    3
    3points
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    #19

    Vintage photo of a boy sitting in a garden holding a cat, showcasing timeless feline charm and classic pet companionship.

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    23points
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    #20

    Thelonious Monk (American Jazz Pianist)

    Vintage cat photo showing a man in a suit resting with a relaxed feline on his lap, capturing timeless feline charm.

    allvintagecats Report

    22points
    POST
    chris_116 avatar
    nottheactualphoto
    nottheactualphoto
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not just a pianist. Monk was one of the greats.

    4
    4points
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    #21

    Patti Smith

    Black and white vintage cat photo showing a person sitting on a bed holding a tuxedo cat, highlighting timeless feline charm.

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    22points
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    #22

    Boy wearing straw hat holding a kitten in vintage setting, showcasing timeless feline charm from history.

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    21points
    POST
    victoriad_1 avatar
    Granny's Thoughts
    Granny's Thoughts
    Community Member
    Premium     1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is my favorite - nobody famous, just an adorable kid and his cat 🙂

    5
    5points
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    #23

    Man in a suit smiling while holding a Siamese cat, showcasing timeless feline charm in a vintage black-and-white photo.

    allvintagecats Report

    21points
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    #24

    Woman smiling at a vintage black and white cat resting on a chair, showcasing timeless feline charm in history.

    allvintagecats Report

    19points
    POST
    acd76dca avatar
    IORN
    IORN
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lynne Reid-Banks, playwright and childrens author

    3
    3points
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    #25

    Young girl smiling and hugging a black and white vintage cat, showcasing timeless feline charm in a heartwarming moment.

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    19points
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    #26

    James Mason

    Vintage black and white photo of a man holding a Siamese cat, showcasing timeless feline charm from history.

    allvintagecats Report

    18points
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    kirstin-peter avatar
    Shark Lady
    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pirate kitties are awesome. Claws in the shoulders hurt a bit though!

    3
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    #27

    Vintage black and white photo of a fluffy tabby cat sitting outdoors showcasing timeless feline charm.

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    18points
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    gaillott avatar
    Gail Lott
    Gail Lott
    Community Member
    Premium     1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That expression. I feel you kitty.

    4
    4points
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    #28

    Vintage cat photo showing a cat with scissors held in front of its face, capturing timeless feline charm and humor.

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    18points
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    #29

    Kim Novak

    Black and white vintage photo of a woman holding a Siamese cat, showcasing timeless feline charm and classic pet affection.

    allvintagecats Report

    17points
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    #30

    Brigitte Bardot

    Woman holding and kissing a cat in a vintage black and white photo capturing timeless feline charm and affection.

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    17points
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    gaillott avatar
    Gail Lott
    Gail Lott
    Community Member
    Premium     1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Upvote for kitty, downvote for the racist.

    9
    9points
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    #31

    Vintage black and white photo of a sailor holding a cat, showcasing timeless feline charm from history.

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    17points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "Scouse, cat of the heavy cruiser HMS Exeter, with Acting Petty Officer Herbert V. Chalkley."

    8
    8points
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    #32

    Vintage black and white photo of a woman holding two cats, showcasing timeless feline charm and classic pet companionship.

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    16points
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    #33

    Werner Aspenström

    Vintage black and white photo of a man smiling with a cat on his shoulder showcasing timeless feline charm.

    allvintagecats Report

    15points
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    #34

    Georgia O’keeffe

    Woman holding a cat while another woman brushes her hair in a vintage black and white photo showcasing timeless feline charm.

    allvintagecats Report

    15points
    POST
    #35

    Elizabeth Jane Howard

    Black and white vintage cat photo showing a woman with a pearl necklace holding a content feline in a classic interior.

    allvintagecats Report

    15points
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    #36

    Smiling man in a vintage black and white photo holding a cat, showcasing timeless feline charm and affectionate bond.

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    15points
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    #37

    Two vintage cats cuddling in a cozy woven basket, showcasing timeless feline charm in a black and white photo.

    allvintagecats Report

    15points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I need these two babies. Right now.

    5
    5points
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    #38

    Two children sitting together with a cat, showcasing timeless feline charm in this vintage photo from history.

    allvintagecats Report

    15points
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    #39

    Billy Thatcher And Shelagh Fraser

    Vintage photo of a man and woman with a Siamese cat, showcasing timeless feline charm from history.

    allvintagecats Report

    14points
    POST
    #40

    Vintage cat photo showing a white cat sitting at a table with a newspaper, capturing timeless feline charm and history.

    allvintagecats Report

    14points
    POST
    #41

    Two men crouching while holding multiple vintage cats outside a building, showcasing timeless feline charm from history.

    allvintagecats Report

    14points
    POST
    #42

    Vintage black and white photo of a cat and dog interacting by a brick wall, showcasing timeless feline charm.

    allvintagecats Report

    14points
    POST
    #43

    Vintage cat photo showing a gray feline resting on a pile of clothes inside an old wooden closet.

    allvintagecats Report

    13points
    POST
    kirstin-peter avatar
    Shark Lady
    Shark Lady
    Community Member
    1 week ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cats on clean laundry, a tale as old as time

    8
    8points
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    #44

    Bride in vintage wedding dress holding a tabby cat, showcasing timeless feline charm in a classic black and white photo.

    allvintagecats Report

    13points
    POST
    multanocte avatar
    Multa Nocte
    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    Premium     1 week ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wedding portrait from the wedding of Ronald McLeod and Janny Sala, 1961, New Zealand.

    5
    5points
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