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Cats have been part of the history of art for centuries. Long before they became internet celebrities, they were already appearing in paintings, illustrations, prints, and posters created by artists from around the world. They were portrayed as beloved companions, playful troublemakers, mysterious creatures, or even humorous caricatures. Despite the passing of time, these artworks remain a real treat for those who discover them today.

The Facebook page 'Cats In Art' celebrates this fascinating connection by curating paintings featuring felines from different artistic movements and time periods. Rather than focusing on a single artist or style, the page brings together everything from classical oil paintings to modern illustrations, showing how cats have remained a timeless subject throughout the history of art.

Below, we’ve gathered some of the most charming pieces shared on the page, so without further ado, scroll down and enjoy!

More info: thegreatcat.org

#1

Oil painting of two white cats sitting attentively beside a sleeping person in bed, depicting a scene from a collection of paintings of cats.

Artwork by Antonio Mancini, c. 1887

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LakotaWolf (she/her)
Community Member
Premium
3 months ago

I absolutely hope this is me when I'm on my deáthbed. I'm okay if they eat my corpse afterwards!

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    #2

    A calico cat painting from different eras and a small ginger kitten cuddle in a brown bag.

    Artwork by Antonio Guzman Capel

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    Marno C.
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    So sweet.

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    #3

    A painting of a cat standing on a tiled roof with other tiled roofs in the background, a painting of cats.

    Artwork by Fernando Botero

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    Senjo Krane
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    I AM CAT! I RULE THESE ROOF TOPS!

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    #4

    Two stylized cats paintings with striking yellow eyes, characteristic of modern art and different eras of feline art.

    Artwork by Tomoo Inagaki

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    BookFanatic
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    🎶We are Siamese, if you please🎶(Yes, I know they're not actually Siamese...)

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    #5

    Woman in bed cuddling a cat painting, depicting a tender moment and different eras of feline art.

    Artwork by Fritz Zuber-Bühler ,1822–1896

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    Roman Arendt
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    I'm gay, but I love how gently she's stroking her p... eh, cat.

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    #6

    A fluffy white cat painting from different eras sits looking up at two yellow butterflies.

    Artwork by Arthur Heyer, 1872-1931

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    Whiskers
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    Sadness in the eyes😢.

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    #7

    Oil painting of cats, a mother cat and her three kittens rest on a red velvet cushion, an example of paintings of cats from different eras.

    Artwork by Horatio Henry Couldery, 1832–1893

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 months ago

    I title this one "Motherhood: All The Regrets" XD

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    #8

    A black cat with bright orange eyes sits among vibrant orange lily paintings.

    Artwork by Anne Mortimer, Iris, 2013

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 months ago

    Bored Panda considers 2013 to be "vintage" now, everyone. Time to get your walkers and bifocals out! XD

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    #9

    An illustration of a fluffy, bristly black cat with white paws and an arched tail, a unique example of paintings of cats.

    Artwork by Albert Dubout, c. 1930–1950

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    Jay Scales
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    Love the expression :D

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    #10

    Formal portrait painting of cats, a child in red stands with a magpie, two cats, and a birdcage, one of many paintings of cats from different eras.

    Artwork by Francisco de Goya y Lucientes

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 months ago

    That magpie is doomed XD

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    #11

    Four cats paintings, including black, calico, and tabby cats sitting together, showcasing different eras of feline art.

    Artwork by Braden Duncan

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    Senjo Krane
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    I love this one! The way the paint is dripping yet the cats are so lifelike.

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    #12

    Charming painting of two kittens playing with a doll under a Christmas tree, from a series showcasing paintings of cats.

    Artwork by Henriette Ronner-Knip, c. 1863

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    Teresa Spanics
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    AWW 😻😻💖💖

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    #13

    Stylized illustration of a tall, elegant Siamese cat sitting, with another cat in a chair below, from paintings of cats.

    Artwork by William Stobbs, c. 1961

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    Teresa Spanics
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    AWW 😻😻😻💖💖💖

    #14

    Realistic painting of a black and white cat with green eyes sitting, from a curated selection of cat paintings.

    Artwork by Henriette Ronner-Knip, c. 1860–1880

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    nottheactualphoto
    Community Member
    2 months ago

    I love her work. The famous one is "The Cat at Play." It's in the Rijksmuseum.

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    #15

    Minimalist painting of a black and white cat sitting upright, part of a collection of cat paintings.

    Artwork by Bart van der Leck, 1914

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    Teresa Spanics
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    AWW 😻💖

    Never miss a story that brings joy to the world. Add us on Google

    #16

    A painting of cats: A mother cat and her kitten sitting together, portraying a classic scene from the best cat paintings of different eras.

    Artwork by Antonio Guzmán Capel, c. 1980–2000

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 months ago

    The caption reads, "To my friend Meli"

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    #17

    A painting of a cat with black and white spots looking at a butterfly, surrounded by flowers, a painting of cats.

    Artwork by Byeon Sang-byeok

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    Roman Arendt
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    Love the hyperrealism! 😅

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    #18

    A painting of cats: A long-haired black and white cat with a bell collar sitting on a cushion, a charming example of the best cat paintings.

    Artwork by Percy A. Sanborn, c. 1890–1910

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    Jay Scales
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    Sweet expression

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    #19

    Oil painting of cats in a still life, a cat peeks over a table at a mouse and fruit, showcasing paintings of cats from different eras.

    Artwork by Georg Flegel, 1566 - 1638

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    Marno C.
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    Before the pounce.

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    #20

    A painting of an orange cat napping on a window ledge, part of a collection of cat paintings.

    Artwork by an anonymous artist

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    Teresa Spanics
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    AWW 😻💖

    #21

    This painting of cats depicts a calico cat with green eyes lounging on a patterned cushion, showcasing one of the best cat paintings.

    Artwork by Andydiehl

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    Teresa Spanics
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    AWW 😻💖

    #22

    A painting of a stylized black cat with an abstract background, a painting of cats.

    Artwork by Kiyoshi Saitō

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    Whiskers
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    😂

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    #23

    A grey cat painting from a different era looking through a grimy windowpane.

    Artwork by Andrew Wyeth

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    Gingersnap In Iowa
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    Andrew Wyeth is one of my favorite artists.

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    #24

    A traditional Japanese painting of a woman in a kimono holding a playful cream-colored cat.

    Artwork by Utagawa Kuniyoshi

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    Senjo Krane
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    There will be blood soon methinks.

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    #25

    Humorous painting of the Mona Lisa reimagined as a cat, one of many unique cat paintings.

    Artwork by Susan Herbert, c. 2015

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    Meowna Lisa?

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    #26

    Rustic painting of a tabby cat sleeping in a straw nest, featured in an array of cat paintings.

    Artwork by Jules Gasson, 19th century

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    Whiskers
    Community Member
    3 months ago (edited)

    Titled The afternoon nap. Exquisite!❤️

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    #27

    Japanese woodblock painting of cats, featuring a stylized black cat stretching with an open mouth, a painting of cats from different eras.

    Artwork by Takahashi Hiroaki

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    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    Biiiig stretch.

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    #28

    A black and white painting of cats among books, capturing different eras of cat art.

    Artwork by Felix Vallotton

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    Teresa Spanics
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    AWW 😻😻😻💖💖💖

    #29

    Charming painting of five fluffy kittens with a vase of flowers, from a diverse collection of cat paintings.

    Artwork by Daniel Merlin (1861–1933)

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    Teresa Spanics
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    AWW 😻😻😻😻😻💖💖💖💖💖

    #30

    A detailed painting of a white cat grooming its paw, with a smaller white cat sitting nearby, part of a collection of cat paintings.

    Artwork by Gottfried Mind

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    Roman Arendt
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    I hope that's not a tapeworm... 😐😅

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    #31

    A painting of a woman holding a fluffy kitten, illustrating beautiful cat paintings.

    Artwork by Émile Vernon, 1872–1920

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    Marno C.
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    That looks like the lid of an old timey chocolates box.

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    #32

    A sleek, dark cat painting from different eras lies on a light background, eyes yellow and focused.

    Artwork by Enoki Toshiyuki

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    Teresa Spanics
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    AWW 😻💖

    #33

    An abstract painting of cats in blue and white, showcasing diverse cat paintings.

    Artwork by Carlos Páez Vilaró

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    Teresa Spanics
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    AWW 😻😻💖💖

    #34

    Still life painting featuring a cat observing a hanging fish and other market items, a classic example from paintings of cats.

    Artwork by Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin, 1728

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    Victoria Howell
    Community Member
    2 months ago

    Is that a gutted stingray??

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    #35

    A painting of cats from different eras, showing a mother cat and two kittens focused on a mouse. This painting of cats captures a playful moment.

    Artwork by John Henry Dolph (1835–1903)

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    Teresa Spanics
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    AWW 😻😻😻💖💖💖

    #36

    Watercolor painting of cats, a fluffy cat with blue eyes sits amongst vibrant pink flowers, part of a collection of paintings of cats from different eras.

    Artwork by Walasse Ting

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    Jay Scales
    Community Member
    3 months ago

    I'm sure I know this cat.... :D

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    #37

    Two cats paintings on a windowsill with orchid plants, overlooking a town, highlighting different eras of feline art.

    Artwork by Maria Chepeleva

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    Tammy Parker
    Community Member
    2 months ago

    I need this print. Two of my favorite things: cats & orchids! Beautiful.

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    #38

    A painting of a playful kitten with a red ball of yarn, a painting of cats.

    Artwork by Valentine Thomas Garland

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    Teresa Spanics
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    AWW 😻💖

    #39

    A painting of a kitten next to a beehive with bees flying around, a painting of cats.

    Artwork by Frank Paton, 1855-1909

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    LakotaWolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    Premium
    3 months ago

    No, babykitten, don't eat the spicy sky raisins!

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    #40

    Three small kittens paintings next to a teacup and cigar, representing classic feline art from different eras.

    Artwork by Moritz Müller

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    Teresa Spanics
    Community Member
    1 month ago

    AWW 😻😻😻💖💖💖