Cats have always had a way of turning even the most ordinary moments into something worth watching. It might seem like our obsession with cats is a modern phenomenon, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
The Instagram page Cats of Yore is dedicated to collecting and sharing fascinating photographs from the past that feature cats in all kinds of everyday situations. Looking at these images, it becomes clear that this “cat craze” isn’t new at all. It’s been around for decades, and the bond between humans and felines has always been universal.
Scroll down to check out some of the most recent posts shared by this page and see just how relatable these old black-and-white photos still feel today.
More info: Instagram
This post may include affiliate links.
Superb mixed bean salad. Photo from a book in my collection: The Book of Kittens, edited by Brant House, 1951.
Pink TP, fuzzy sea green toilet seat cover--I'm guessing this was 1959.
Cheer up kitty. At least there's no Internet for her to order funny cat sweaters.
For once there are a lot of men with cats in this list. Not all cat slaves are women...
Look at these cuties. Photo from my collection, no date, but the back says “Tiger and I on porch at home.”
Glorious ruff! Photo from my collection, 1957. And P.S., just a reminder that beautiful mixed-breed long-haired tabbies exist and are actually quite common. We don't need to pretend that they're all Maine Coons or Siberians or Norwegian Forest cats.
He/she is not the slightest bit interested in the camera, there's something else.
“Sauve qui peu." This is a French phrase that translates literally to something like "save yourself who's able/can" and roughly equates to “run for your life!” or “every man for himself!”, indicating a chaotic or dangerous situation/stampede.
Never mind the berries and mushrooms - that's the foraging prize in supreme :)
This is “Mittens” in 1955.
Brat of yore caught on film. Photos from my collection, 1969.
Empty bowl? Susan, we've talked about this... Your Gucci handbag is now not as empty - I left you a "surprise" (audible purring sounds) ;)
Look at this posh skrunkleton. Postcard from my collection, 1912.
These were lovely! Anything with cats makes me happy, and these historical photos were great!
Would have been nicer with some background, even just names/dates/places.
All of these photos are abandoned. Unless there is something written on the back, there is literally no way to know. Thrift stores are full of abandoned photo albums full of vintage photos with no owners when estate sales offload them because there's no family left to claim them, for example. I literally do not understand people wanting a full background check on these photos. Maybe, just maybe, ask where they came from first before you complain
Load More Replies...All of these photos are abandoned. Unless there is something written on the back, there is literally no way to know. Thrift stores are full of abandoned photo albums full of vintage photos with no owners when estate sales offload them because there's no family left to claim them, for example. I literally do not understand people wanting a full background check on these photos. Maybe, just maybe, ask where they came from first before you complain.
Load More Replies...These were lovely! Anything with cats makes me happy, and these historical photos were great!
Would have been nicer with some background, even just names/dates/places.
All of these photos are abandoned. Unless there is something written on the back, there is literally no way to know. Thrift stores are full of abandoned photo albums full of vintage photos with no owners when estate sales offload them because there's no family left to claim them, for example. I literally do not understand people wanting a full background check on these photos. Maybe, just maybe, ask where they came from first before you complain
Load More Replies...All of these photos are abandoned. Unless there is something written on the back, there is literally no way to know. Thrift stores are full of abandoned photo albums full of vintage photos with no owners when estate sales offload them because there's no family left to claim them, for example. I literally do not understand people wanting a full background check on these photos. Maybe, just maybe, ask where they came from first before you complain.
Load More Replies...
