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By now, Bored Panda readers like you should be well acquainted with the nostalgic photo archives of Portuguese journalist Paula Leite Moreira. Over the years, her vintage collections have captured everything from everyday family life to moments with animals, with cats often taking the spotlight. This time, we’re focusing on a theme that feels especially touching: the connection between children and their feline companions.

We looked through Paula’s carefully curated Instagram feed and found a beautiful collection of photos showing kids and cats from decades past. Some are funny, others are full of quiet emotion, yet all of them show how special the bond between a child and their pet can be.

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#1

Vintage black and white photo of a child and a kitten sharing milk, capturing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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Victoria Howell
Community Member
3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is not stealing, she is sharing. Or, teaching the kitty to drink from a bowl.

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“These images were frequently made for postcards,” Paula explains to Bored Panda, referring to some of the earliest photos in her collection. “But aside from that period, it's remarkable how photos from decades ago are similar to those we see today. Owners also enjoyed capturing casual moments with their cats at home, with their families, in an unpretentious way.”

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    #2

    Vintage photo of a smiling child pushing a stroller filled with kittens, showcasing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    Frances Pitchoune
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to make this for my kittens when I was little. They loved it and asked for more!

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    That raw, unfiltered joy still shines through in these images—even if our relationship with cat content has evolved dramatically in the digital age.

    “I believe that in the previous century, they were also loved by their owners,” Paula says. “But they didn't have the same viral popularity filled with memes and cute videos that win over even those who aren't big cat fans. I'm very happy about this, and I hope my work contributes to it.”

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    When asked about the most surprising photo she’s come across in her vintage cat hunt, Paula immediately recalls one that stands out. “Definitely a photo of a kitten 'hidden' in the so-called 'longest beard in the world' of a Frenchman named Louis Coulo.”

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    Beyond the charm of these old photographs, Paula’s research has uncovered fascinating historical tidbits—like how cats played key roles aboard ships during wartime.

    “They were highly sought after and pampered on large vessels, especially during periods of war,” she shares. “The main function was to fight rats, but they ended up being an escape valve for the sailors, a little bit of love in the midst of so much tension.”

    #6

    Young girl gently hugging a cat in a vintage black and white photo, showcasing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    A Shark is my soul mate
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So gentle with this one. I feel this shows she knows how to make them feel safe.

    As for the future of All Vintage Cats, Paula says she’s been toying with the idea of a book or a retro-inspired fashion production. “But for now,” she adds, “the page is just a hobby.” Hobby or not, her work continues to remind us of something essential: whether it’s today or 100 years ago, the connection between humans and animals, especially between a child and their cat, is a bond that transcends time.

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    #15

    Vintage photo of a young girl holding a cat, highlighting the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    Multa Nocte
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This child's name is Grete Reinwald. She's on hundreds of old vintage postcards, and was a German stage and film actress. "As a child, due to her sweet, appealing features she modeled for many monochrome, hand-tinted, and autochrome postcards."

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    #16

    Vintage black and white photo of a boy warmly holding a fluffy cat, showcasing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    #20

    Vintage photo of a young child sitting outdoors, gently petting a cat, showcasing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    #22

    Vintage black and white photo of a smiling girl holding a cat on her lap, showcasing timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    #25

    Vintage photos of a toddler and cat sharing a moment, showcasing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    #26

    Vintage photo of a young girl holding a kitten, capturing the timeless bond between kids and cats in a tender moment.

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    Kathy Bolam
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Looks like she's praying protection for her kitty. Maybe saying, Thank you, God for my kitty.

    #27

    Vintage black and white photo of a smiling girl holding two playful kittens, highlighting the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    #29

    Vintage black and white photo of a young boy sitting outdoors with three Siamese cats, showcasing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    #30

    Vintage photo of a smiling child holding a relaxed cat, showcasing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    #31

    Two kids sitting outdoors holding a black cat and a white rabbit in a vintage photo showing the bond between kids and cats.

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Cat: You’re a funny looking cat! Bunny: Well, you’re a funny looking bunny!

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    #33

    Vintage photo of a child sitting on grass holding two fluffy cats, showcasing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    #35

    Vintage photo of a young girl walking a cat on a leash, showcasing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes folks, we’ve been trying to leash train our cats for the past hundred years, if not longer.

    #36

    Vintage photo of a young girl lovingly holding a black cat, showcasing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    #39

    Vintage photo showing the timeless bond between a young child and a white cat sharing a gentle moment indoors.

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    #40

    Vintage black and white photo of a baby sitting between two cats, showcasing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    JK
    Community Member
    3 weeks ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I've been watching too much Alfred Hitchcock. Is that him plotting his new season?

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    #41

    Vintage black and white photo of kids bonding with a cat while a vet listens to the cat's heartbeat with a stethoscope.

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    #42

    Vintage black and white photo of a little girl holding a kitten, showcasing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    #45

    Vintage black and white photo of a young boy holding a cat, showcasing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    #46

    Two kids holding and looking at a black cat in a vintage black and white photo showing timeless bond between kids and cats.

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    #47

    Vintage photo of a young boy gently holding a cat, showcasing the timeless bond between kids and cats.

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