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There’s something especially heartwarming about old photographs of children with their pets. The clothes, hairstyles, and surroundings may look very different from what we’re used to today, but the affection between a child and a cat feels just as familiar. Whether it’s a little one proudly holding a kitten for the camera or two companions enjoying a quiet moment together, these images remind us that some things never really change.

This time, we’re returning to Cats of Yore, a social media page run by Molly Hodgdon, whose wonderful collection of vintage feline photographs we’ve featured before. However, this new selection has a particularly sweet theme: children and their beloved cats. The photographs come from Molly’s personal collection and capture everything from carefully posed portraits to playful, affectionate moments shared many decades ago.

Scroll down to enjoy these charming glimpses into the past, and don't forget to upvote your favorite photos. We'd also love to hear whether you grew up with a feline friend of your own!

More info: Instagram

One of the interesting things about these photographs is how little is known about many of the people and animals in them. Molly has collected them over the years, often without any accompanying information. As a result, the children's names, the cats' identities, and even the exact dates and locations of most of the pictures remain a mystery.

RELATED:
    #3

    A young boy holding a fluffy black cat behind a birthday cake in vintage photos of children with their cats

    catsofyore Report

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    third pic now. Me: "lots of cats here! *scrolls, reads title* Aha!" 😸

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    Still, there's something special about photographs that have survived long after the stories behind them have been forgotten, and the humans and cats captured are now just memories. At some point, someone thought these moments were worth capturing and preserving. And now, years or even generations later, they're finding a whole new audience of cat lovers.

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    Looking through the collection, it's easy to imagine the personalities behind the pictures. Some children seem delighted to show off their furry companions, while others appear perfectly content simply sitting beside them. And, of course, the cats themselves don't always look particularly interested in having their pictures taken, which is at this point a rather familiar feline attitude.

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    Although we may never learn the stories behind most of these photographs, they offer a lovely reminder of just how long cats have been an important part of family life. Cameras, fashions, and childhoods have changed considerably, but the joy of growing up with a furry friend seems to have stayed much the same.

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    #10

    A historic vintage photo of two young girls standing on a porch with a cat

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    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Um, don't forget the most important member of the family.

    #11

    An old vintage photo of a toddler sitting in a toy wagon holding a cat

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    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    The cat is almost as large as the child.

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    #19

    A smiling young boy kneeling in a garden next to a striped tabby cat in vintage photos of children with their cats

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    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Camera shy.

    #20

    A cheerful girl cradles a small kitten in her arms from vintage photos of children with their cats

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    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    They both look so happy.

    #21

    A happy toddler sits in an armchair with a black cat from these vintage photos of children with their cats

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    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    Watch out, cat, he won't be standing for much longer.

    #22

    A happy toddler riding a tricycle next to a pet cat, from vintage photos of children with their cats

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    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    "Here's looking at you, kid."

    #25

    Vintage photo of a young boy wearing a straw hat sitting on a chair next to three small cats.

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    BarkingSquirell
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    The kittens have priority over the chair.

    #28

    A sweet baby in a light dress sitting beside a lying fluffy cat in vintage photos of children with their cats

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    Kya Ajiira
    Community Member
    20 hours ago

    The kid's face is funny.

    #35

    A vintage photo of a young boy holding a leash on a small cat outdoors

    In the year 1948, this cat was photographed, and on the back, someone wrote his name: “Puddin.”

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    #38

    A young girl sitting in a chair holding a cat on her lap, from vintage photos of children with their cats

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    Multa Nocte (she/her 8647)
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 day ago

    Repeat.

    More from this series:
    Previous · Part 2 50 Fascinating Historical Photos That Might Change Your Perspective On Cats, As Shared By This Twitter Page (New Pics) Previous
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    130 Of The Best Photos Shared By This Twitter Account That Collects Historic Photographs Of Cats With Their Stories 250 Fascinating Historical Photos That Might Change Your Perspective On Cats, As Shared By This Twitter Page (New Pics)
    3 You’re hereThis Page Shared 39 Historical Photos That Capture The Timeless Bond Between Children And Cats (New Pics)