Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
then open in external browser
and click "Open in External Browser" 
Say what you want but... retro cat pictures have definitely carved out their own niche within the broader spectrum of vintage photography, evoking a sense of nostalgia and charm that resonates with many people worldwide. These pictures capture a diverse array of cats from decades past, often shot in black and white or with a distinctive sepia tint, portraying felines lounging on vintage furniture, strutting across old cobblestone streets, or even napping in the warmth of a bygone-era kitchen.
So Pandas, scroll down below and see the best pictures we had gathered for yourself, and of course, don't forget to upvote your favorite ones!
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
My Grandmother And Her Cat. Late 1930 Or Early 1940, In Minnesota
Lora Pugliese-Deltufo 2 years ago
I love this picture. What a pretty grandma and a pretty cat too!!
MongoMarcia 2 years ago
I would enlarge it (like really big) and hang it prominently in my home.
RELATED:
#2
A French Soldier Feeding His Kitten, Indochina 1956
Susan Teter 2 years ago
There is a special place in heaven for people who are kind to animals ❤️
Hope Cows&Chickens 2 years ago
I love pics of soldiers caring for little ones, human or animal. Melts my heart!
#3
Cat Eating An Ice Cream In 1940
Lucky2BAlive 2 years ago
In the heatwave we all are experiencing … this is oddly satisfying. Caption: meanwhile a few hours later after an innocent fart jetted her across the room, it was discovered that fluffy was lactose intolerant
Janet Howe 2 years ago
This is the cutest photo ever. But all I can think about is what happens when the ice cream melts all over everything.
Given the chance, Bored Panda reached out to Brazilian journalist Paula Leite Moreira who is in charge of the "All Vintage Cats" project on Instagram (see a post about it by clicking here).
"Curating and sharing these vintage cat photos has become a way for me to connect with history, and also with people who love cats as much as I do. Each image is a journey into the past, and there's something really special about that," Paula shared, when asked about the emotional impact of her project.
#4
My Great Grandfather In The 1950s, Who Like Me Loved Cats
Danny Boy 2 years ago
Corduroy shorts. Being old, it is a sin I myself have committed many a time. ;-P BEAUTIFUL photo. Cute cats. Dear man.
Jennifer Checki 2 years ago
Getting old has few benefits, but wearing hideous clothing is one. I indulge whenever possible. Stripes with plaid? Hey, I don’t have to look at it- heading to Publix!
Load More Replies...
Laura Dawson 2 years ago
OP must be a very young, your Great Grandfather! My Dad was born in 1950 and I am 31. My GG was born 1909.
#5
Waiting For Dinner
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
Well, if he splurges like that, he'll never buy a house.
Load More Replies...
#6
Original Advertisement For An Optician On Boulevard St. Germain, 1925
When asked about any comments she had received on her page, the journalist was quick to share.
"About memorable interactions, there was one follower who told me how a photo I shared, one of a soldier with a cat during the World War II, reminded her of her grandfather's stories. That was really touching. It made me realize that, in a way, I was helping to keep these personal histories alive."
#7
The Ship's Cats Having A Hammock To Themselves
Shark Lady 2 years ago
They need a comfy place to sleep after working hard catching rats and mice.
ShellsBells 2 years ago
Lies! There are no kitties on ships! Only reason I joined the Navy, I was disappointed. I am still disappointed.
Load More Replies... 
#8
This Photo Was Taken In Cleveland, Ohio, Circa Early 1900. A Cute Kid, Dog, And A Cat Who Knows He's The Boss
Michael Fuhry 2 years ago
Sorry, I got distracted by the architectural details on the screen door and the window trim.
#9
Dan Flynn And His Cats, Labre Park, 1967
martymcmatrix 2 years ago
Didn't you mean »The two cats from Labre Park with their Dan Flynn«?
When asked about the evolving role of cats in society, Paula had some rather interesting insights to offer. "In the past, cats were often associated with superstitions and myths. Today, they are beloved pets and companions. But I also see in the photos a timeless bond between humans and cats. We have always turned to them for comfort and companionship."
#10
My Mom Milking One Of The Cows, Directly Feeding The Cats In The Early 1960s
karl briggs 2 years ago
Reminds me of another famous picture of the same content. Pandas do my bidding!
Marilyn Helling 2 years ago
That's how my grandmother fed all her barn cats. They would line up in a row and wait their turn
Michael Fuhry 2 years ago
This is a really great photograph. The lighting , contrast, the halo-like affect on your mom's hair, just terrific. Love that hydraulic press brick floor, too. Very practical, and durable.
#11
Casting Call For Black Cats To Star In Roger Corman Movie In Los Angeles, California, 1961
Jennifer Checki 2 years ago
“Once I get the part, I’m scratching those b*tches eyes out!”
Load More Replies... Lucky2BAlive 2 years ago
Love the *okay but what’s my motivation” …. Meanwhile I have cats two of whom need a mediator puppy..
Janet Howe 2 years ago
Just look how excited those cats are, to possibly be in a movie. They can hardly contain themselves.
Susan Teter 2 years ago
BOW TO THE VOIDS! That being said, isn't it ironic that this is #13, and about black cats? 😍
Jennifer Checki 2 years ago
The formal name for this dance is I’m Going to Embarrass My Person to Make Them Pay For Thisssssssssssss!
Load More Replies...
Tired Panda 2 years ago
Will the cat with the white patches please step aside. Black cats only ma'am.
#12
The Payro Family Cat Directs A Portrait Of The Payro Children. Wakefield, Massachusetts, 1909
Tähtikarhu (he/him) 🇫🇮 2 years ago
*Cat proceeds to forget that it asked them to say it, and get confused, looking for that darned mouse*
Load More Replies...
As for advice to those looking to create original content on social media, Paula laughed lightly before saying, "Find something you are passionate about, and don't be afraid to share it. It might seem niche, like vintage cat photos, but there are people out there who will appreciate it. I would say, let your passion guide you."
#13
Kittens Crawling On The Bucks County, Pennsylvania Representative Peter Kostmayer In His Congressional Office In 1991
martymcmatrix 2 years ago
Is this a headache? No, it's a white headcat! I use it's sibling as a black tie, also...
Apple Jakes 2 years ago
I love cats, I try to love people, but when you tell me he's a politician I just feel like he's exploiting cats and I hate him. Weird. Politicians probably love cats too. Probably.
#14
Salty And Her Two Kittens Aboard A Coast Guard Plane Piloted By Spar Kay Martin As They Flew To Rescue A Downed Navy Pilot
Ruth Harper 2 years ago (edited)
Me too. I'd die for any cat. Or any dog.
Load More Replies...
Apple Jakes 2 years ago
That's the only cat I've seen that looks like someone drew cat eyes on her.
#15
"Salty" Mascot Of The San Diego Coast Guard Air Station, Introduced Her Kittens To The Dramatic Side Of The Sea-Serve Life Early
glowworm2 2 years ago (edited)
Correct. This is Salty and her kittens. Except the other photo is now 14.
Load More Replies...
The journalist also shared some news on expanding her project, and seemed excited. "Actually, I've been thinking about starting a blog where I could share more details about the photos (not just an Instagram page), like the historical context. And who knows? Maybe a YouTube channel could be next. The journey of All Vintage Cats is just beginning."
#16
Surprising Friendship. Minnie Cat And Mike White Mouse In A Tender Attitude
Awesome At Being Autistic 2 years ago
It's a rat, you can tell from the tail.
Load More Replies... 
martymcmatrix 2 years ago
Mike can be as big as possible BUT the hunger of the cat will be much bigger than their special bond, sooner or later.
#17
Kittens
#18
My Grandfather With His Cat In The 1970s, Toronto
Apple Jakes 2 years ago (edited)
This is a terrific photo, but what's going on around his head?
Stinky Malinky 2 years ago
It’s from a technique used in b&w film-photo printing called dodge/burn. If an area is coming out dark, like a face under a hat brim in bright sunlight for instance, you use something like a piece of card, jiggled around a bit during exposure, to make less light get to the photo paper underneath that area of the image, as such, preventing the image from ‘burning’ into it any more. It keeps more detail in darker areas. That’s the ‘dodge’ part. ‘Burning’ is the inverse, for when an area is too light, so you semi cover the ‘good’ areas, and ‘burn’ more light into those areas that need a bit more depth and darkness.
Load More Replies...
RosenCranzLives 2 years ago
Looks like the Old Don Jail. Now an administration wing of a hospital.
#19
World War II – Iwo Jima
Susan Teter 2 years ago
Can I get an AMEN? And bless those soldiers that bring them home!
Load More Replies...
Orion Red 2 years ago
Was this cat left behind from the Japanese army? Or a us navy cat? Basically, how is there a cat at Iwo jima?
Manda Hart 2 years ago
I could not find an answer for you, I'm sorry. But I am really happy that in these times we have animal rescue groups who rescue animals from conflict zones.
Load More Replies... #20
"Show Off" Cat. April 1955
Mycroft1967 2 years ago
And I do my little turn on the catwalk Yeah, on the catwalk, on the catwalk, yeah
#21
A Cat Called Aircrew. The Mascot Of A Royal Australian Air Force
#22
Three Kittens Wearing Pajamas
Miz Melatonin 2 years ago
Proud to say that at 38, I still have my copy of this book
Load More Replies... 
#23
Film Artist Jeannette Mac Donald With Her Cat Pussums In A Film
#24
The British Shorthair S.H. III, Who Was Featured In Advertisements For "Fancy Feast" Cat Food, Lounges On A Director's Chair
Sarcastic and Proud 2 years ago
What was he paid in? I'm guessing the same food he advertised.
Manda Hart 2 years ago
Hope he is still earning those residuals, and that his Union is still repping him.
Janet Howe 2 years ago
Being a celebrity went straight to her head, tho. I heard she hit the milk bottle pretty hard after she was replaced with S.H. IV. It was sad, really.
#25
Jacques Lehmann Painting His Cat
Manda Hart 2 years ago
Although Milo was flattered, he'd have preferred to be painted as his inner jaguar.
Janet Howe 2 years ago
Doesn't look like he's doing a very good job. Looks like the cat has an evil twin.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
Bouche has been painted. She was a kitten when I had the living room done. Little green paw prints everywhere.
#26
Miss C. Bateman With Her Little Family Of Siamese Cats, At The Cat Show, Crystal Palace
#27
Mrs. Marcelle Adam, President Of The Cat Club De France And Blue Persian In 1926
Cain Hargreaves 2 years ago
I came down here to say the same thing! That cat is huge! I love it.
Load More Replies...
Sunny Day 2 years ago
If that's a Persian think about how we've ruined the poor things in the last 100 years. Now their nose is so smushed they can't even breathe properly.
helen anderson 2 years ago
He looks like my huge Blue Persian (gray fur that looks blueish) King Edward VII!! They are huge heavy and have fluffy floofy fur!!
#28
Walt Disney With His Cat And Mickey Mouse Drawing
glowworm2 2 years ago (edited)
The cat immediately proceeded to chase Mickey out of the drawing.
Spleens the cat fan 🇵🇭 2 years ago
Fun fact: Walt Disney was the first person to voice Mickey so technically the cat would be chasing his can opener
Load More Replies...
#29
The Kitten Named Midnight Fills The Hands Of Coast Guardsman Elmer T. Barnes, Seaman First Class
Most Coast Guard fighting ships have a dog holding down the important duty of mascot, but there is one Destroyer Escort playing European combat waters which has a small, frisky, black kitten ruling the foc's'le.
#30
Siamese Cats In An Exhibition In England
Karen Krause 2 years ago
Hate to have been the person in charge of putting them in those socks.
Apple Jakes 2 years ago
No joke! Might as well have been stuffing hedgehogs in there.
Load More Replies...
#32
Cat On Shoe Shine Stand On The Sidewalk
#33
Coast Guardsman Henry Richmond Jr. Holding "Camouflage" The Cat Mascot Of His Coast Guard-Manned Landing Ship
Danny Boy 2 years ago
A handsome young man in uniform holding a kitten? Oh, this guy's gonna be knee deep in... okay, I won't go there... really cheesy pun. ;-P That's good, I feel proud of myself. I'm growing as a person. LOL
Jennifer Gray 2 years ago
He'll make a lot of new "friends" of the female persuasion......tee hee😉
Load More Replies... #34
A Patron Of "Sammy's Bowery Follies," A Downtown Bar, Sleeping At His Table While The Resident Cat Laps At His Beer
Danny Boy 2 years ago
***giggle*** My cat Lucifer loves to take a few licks of the creamy head of my Guinness Draught. It's the only beer foam he'll touch. And I drink a LOT of different brands, including myriad small-brewery craft beers. SDH Crazy little guy. ;-)
Roan The Demon Kitty 2 years ago
please try to stop your cat from doing this, it's not good for them, most alcohol contains ethanol and grains which are toxic to cats.
Load More Replies... Roan The Demon Kitty 2 years ago
Seems sweet, but do NOT give cats alcohol, it is extremely bad for them. Toxic, even.
Apple Jakes 2 years ago
I had a cat drink a watered down whisky I left on a coffee table once. He slept... Well pretty much the same as usual.
#35
Dancer Elizabeth Duncan With A Cat
#36
Portrait Of Sam Donahue And Hep, New York, 1946
Lucky2BAlive 2 years ago
And it’s off to make an appearance at the Copacabana for Ricky Ricardo …. Bah Bah Mmmew!
Manda Hart 2 years ago
Hep making his stage debut as Sam and the boys are about to perform a song Sam wrote just about him: 'All the Things You Are'.
#37
Melvin Vaniman And Kiddo, The Cat That Would Survive An Airship Crash. 1910
Shelli Aderman 2 years ago
The look the the Catti’s face says it all! “This is MY ship, and take a look at my lovely servants!”
#38
Cat Fancier Phil Morini And His Cats
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago
Heaven is looking like someone dumped a bucket of animals on your lap. I would stay put forever.
#39
Cat Looking Into A Radio Speaker, 1926
49 reasons 2 years ago
Yeah, and it's not fair in this case. This photo is my favorite!
Load More Replies... #40
John B. Moissant's Cat
#41
My Awesome Childhood Cat With My Childhood Computer In The Mid-1990s
#42
My Mother And Her Two Sisters After Pulling A Cat Out Of The Potomac River In The Early Seventies
Manda Hart 2 years ago
Lucky cat. Looks like s/he could use regular good meals and a new home.
#43
Kitten With Arched Back
#44
Ballet Dancer Seija Silfverberg And Riku The Cat In 1982
Manda Hart 2 years ago
A reluctant pose on the part of Riku. Wisely, Seija pulled her face back, foregoing a more action-oriented tableau.
#45
Beautiful Cat In A Cat Show, Salle Wagram
#46
Cat In The Opening Of A Cannon
#47
Cat Refuses To Grow
#48
Mid 1970s. My Sister And I, With Our Cat Tigger
#49
Portrait Of Miele Van Kerckhoff With A Cat In 1890s
Manda Hart 2 years ago
Even as the 19th century drew to a close in Amsterdam, Tiddles was heartily sick of Mee'mee holding him like a mannequin.
#50
Aviator John B. Moisant With His Feline Frequent Flying Companion Mademoiselle Fifi In 1911
#51
Washington Cat Show At Wardman Park Hotel In 1920
#52
A Cat Yawns On The Stairs In The Summer Of 1931
#53
This Tiger Kitten Was Given To A Group Of Coast Guardsmen By Children At Salerno. She Was Adopted, Proclaimed Mascot For A Coast Guard-Manned LST, And Christened "Dee-Day"
#54
Frances Benjamin Johnston's Cats, Herman, And Vermin. New Orleans, Louisiana
#56
Ship's Mascots On HMAS Sydney 1940
#57
Cat Show In 1935
#58
Benjamin Fink Holding The White House Cat Tiger Referred To As "Tige"
Karen Krause 2 years ago
Tiger was one of Coolidge's cats. He had two: Tiger and Blackie. Tiger had wanderlust. Caption from similar photograph: Benj. Fink, guard at the Navy Dept. found Tige promenading around the Navy Bldg. and immediately returned him to the White House. Tige's disappearance was broadcasted by Wash. radio stations. (Source: album: 1 March to 30 April 1924, v. 2, Herbert E. French, National Photo Company, p. 25, no. 29633)
#59
Coast Guard Officers Rescued A Frightened, Half-Starved Kitten From A Shell-Smashed Jap Pill-Box. They Brought Her Aboard And Named Her Tarawa
#60
My Mom And Her Cat In The Late 1930s
#61
Von Karlowski Cat
#62
Cat Sitting On A Car With Skyscrapers In The Distance. 1958
#65
Cat And Kitten Sleeping On A Stringed Chair
#66
China Grove Coast Guardsman On Atlantic Convoy Duty
Coast Guardsman Albert R. McNeely, chief electrician's mate, of China Grove, N.C., puts the ship's mascot to bed in a battle helmet aboard a Coast Guard-manned destroyer escort. The sea-going kitten is a veteran of several Atlantic crossings aboard the sleek escort ship which safeguards the passage of troops and supplies bound for the Battle of Germany.
#67
Kittens Playing With A Chicken In 1949
#68
White House Persian Cat. 1929 March 29
Manda Hart 2 years ago
Kitty was the persian cat of Lou Hoover -wife of President Hoover. Kitty was given free reign to roam the entire White House. No one knows what happened to her. In this photo she's probably caught sight of Billy Possum, a wild opossum that strayed onto White House grounds. Adopted by the Hoovers, it was kept in the pen built for the Coolidges' raccoon.
#70
Little Cats On A Birdcage, 1932
#71
A Kitten In 1925
#73
Cat Sitting On Top Of The Boxes
#74
Ethel Knox With 12 Newborn Kittens, Los Angeles, 1935
Manda Hart 2 years ago
Probably not a great idea for their not-fully-developed eyes to have them out in bright full sunlight.
Load More Replies... #75
Puzzums Was One Of The Greatest Feline Actor Stars Of The Late 1920s
Danny Boy 2 years ago
Puzzums would go on to star in ever great roles, expanding his repertoire and command of the craft well through the Age of the Silver Screen. But there was a sinister side to Mr. Puzzums, oh yes. He had used the poor girl in this photo, for instance, to further his career, quite at her expense. He left a trail of tears and broken careers in his wake, in fact. He was absolutely ruthless, but some say that's what made him a genius, for he pursued his artistry with the same dogged passion with which he advanced his ambitions. Naughty cat! Bad cat! ;-P
#76
Ship's HMAS Kanimbla Cat
#77
A Cat Wearing A Ford's My Man Sign At A Campaign Rally For President Gerald R. Ford, October 13, 1976
#79
Dawn Rodgers Officiates At A "Wedding" Of Formally Attired Felines Tigger And Kirby, Held By Daughters Summer And September
#80
Cats In 1923
Cain Hargreaves 2 years ago
Are these the parents of the three kittens in a similar basket in this same list?
#82
Woman Holding Her Cat In 1927
#84
1926 Cat Show In The Wagram Room Organized By Mrs. Marcelle Adam, President Of The French Cat Club
#85
Blackie And Tiger, Two Of The Cats Owned By President Calvin Coolidge
Kathryn Baylis 2 years ago (edited)
Gee, wonder how he came up with those very unusual, highly original, and really imaginative names? (Now, had he named the tiger cat Blackie, and the black cat Tiger, THAT would’ve been cool.)
#86
Aboard The Coast Guard-Manned LST, "Kodiak," The Dog From The Alaska Waterfront, And "Tarawa," The Cat From A Tarawa Pillbox, Just Don't Get Along
#87
Portrait Of Buzzer The Cat
#88
Kitten With A Camera
#89
Homeless Kitten On The Ashes Of The City Of Zhizdra, Kaluga Region
Danny Boy 2 years ago
"Homeless Kitten On The Ashes Of The City Of Zhizdra, Kaluga Region"?! Ummm, no. Rather, "Kitten Roars in Elation at the Tabula Rasa Before Him, and the Power Vacuum Which Would Allow Him to Capitalize On It: 'Yes, now I can start fresh, and remake Zhizdra in MY image! Meowwwoarrrr!'"
Manda Hart 2 years ago
Homeless, no doubt. On October 5, 1941, the Germans took occupation of Zhizdra. After a battle that lasted from Feb to Aug 1943, the Germans retreated. But not before systematically destroying it over a two week period, burning sectors quarterly, poisoning wells, and laying mines on roads, sidewalks and gardens. That this kitten actually survived all that is an astonishing miracle.
#90
A Cat In 1959
#91
This Kitty Belonged To The Sultan Of Turkey
Mrs. Martin K. Metcalf, wife of commander Metcalf, holding Pansy. A Turkish cat formerly did her "Meowing" in the palace of the sultan of Turkey. The cat was brought to Washington from Turkey by a commander Metcalf.
#93
Calico Cat Capers With Parakeet Pal
ShellsBells 2 years ago (edited)
Where's the parakeet?!?! Edit: Wait, nevermind. I had scrolled down to far and saw it on top of cage when I zoomed in.
#94
Vernon County, Wisconsin. Edward Saugstad Feeding A Kitten Milk
Cate 2 years ago
Bet it is Mrs Edward.... women weren't typically addressed by their own names. I recall this "formality" in the 1970s and even the 1980s. Have always loathed it.
Load More Replies... #95
Two Cats On A Table In The Early 1900s
#96
Cat Show In The Wagram Room, Organized By Mrs. Marcelle Adam, President Of The Cat Club De France
Cain Hargreaves 2 years ago
It's really funny to see these "old school" Siamese cats when they still had round faces, before breeders started going for that narrow, narrow face (which is, uh, not ideal for cats)
Manda Hart 2 years ago
Quite a disconnect there; a living animal held in the arms and the remnants of a dead one draped across the shoulders. Ugh.
Load More Replies...
#98
Study Of A Cat. A Close-Up Portrait Of A Cat, Possibly One Of The Cats That Arnold Genthe Called Buzzer
#99
Schermerhorn Cat
#100
Annie Edson Taylor Poses With Her Cat In 1902
Cain Hargreaves 2 years ago (edited)
Oh this is such a bonkers picture! This is Annie Edson Taylor who was the first person to go over Niagra Falls in a barrel. She had a custom barrel built made of oak and iron, with a mattress inside for padding. But before she went over, she put a cat in her barrel and sent the cat over the falls. The cat survived, so Annie tried it herself and survived (though with some injuries). Presumably this is the cat and the barrel and Annie herself (who was sometimes called the Queen of the Mist). More here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annie_Edson_Taylor
Manda Hart 2 years ago (edited)
Taylor was the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Here, she poses with the barrel which was padded with a mattress. She did it for financial reasons, having been burned out of her home and penniless, she needed money. As it turned out, her manager, Frank M. Russell, ran away with her barrel, the thing she needed for publicity to regain her fortunes. She died in penury. Now. This cat. Two days before Taylor's attempt, an experiment was made using this house cat. The cat was put into this barrel and was sent over Horseshoe Falls. He/she survived, but was found to have a bleeding head. This photo was taken 17 minutes after this cat was removed from the barrel. Such a cruelty, imo.
#101
A Man And Woman Having Tea On The Veranda Of Their Mt. Nutt Home At Bowen In The Early 1900s
#102
The Cat In 1916
Manda Hart 2 years ago
This looks exactly like my cat Samin who we lost due to a broken heart when his bestie Smudge was savaged by a speeding car. Someone is peeling onions in the next room.
#103
United States President Calvin Coolidge Holding A Kitty At His Family Farm In Plymouth Notch, Vermont, 1924
#106
Portrait Of An Actress Lili Darvas Holding A Cat Ginger
Add New Image
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Manda Hart 2 years ago
Well done article, Ms Bliabaitė. That took some time and research to compile. Thank you, enjoyed it immensely.
Manda Hart 2 years ago
Well done article, Ms Bliabaitė. That took some time and research to compile. Thank you, enjoyed it immensely.
You May Like Funny Cats Sleeping In Weirdest Positions Ever Meet Sphynx Cats - The Most Adorable Hairless Felines “Kitties Working Hard And Hardly Working”: 109 Delightful Pics Of Working Cats (New Pics)
Akvile Petraityte 🇺🇦
Akvile Petraityte 🇺🇦
Mantas Kačerauskas
Related on Bored Panda
