Cats in Art and Culture: How Cats Have Inspired Creativity and Influenced Artists in Art History?

Below are the 3 interesting findings that cats have influenced art and culture throughout the ages:

Cats were so sacred in Ancient Egypt that killing one was punishable by death, yet by the Middle Ages in Europe, they were feared as symbols of Satan and witchcraft.
From the Renaissance to the 19th century, artists used cats not just decoratively but symbolically, with works like Manet’s Olympia replacing traditional symbols of fidelity with a black cat to convey independence and rebellious sensualit.
Cats are used to symbolise freedom and mystery and remain popular in contemporary art and culture.

From the sacred temples of Ancient Egypt to the buzzing digital world of Instagram, the cat has been a constant, enigmatic source of inspiration for millennia. Their grace, mystery, and duality have captivated artists, making them more than just pets—they are cultural icons and artistic muses.

In ancient Egypt, cats were revered as divine beings, associated with the goddess Bastet. From the sacred temples of Ancient Egypt to the buzzing digital world of Instagram, the cat has been a constant, enigmatic source of inspiration for millennia. Their grace, mystery, and duality have captivated artists, making them more than just pets—they are cultural icons and artistic muses.

The Renaissance saw a shift. While still sometimes used to signify treachery—like the cat placed near Judas in depictions of the Last Supper—they also began to be appreciated for their beauty and domesticity. The great Leonardo da Vinci famously proclaimed, “The smallest feline is a masterpiece,” and his sketches show a deep fascination with their form and movement.

It was in the modern era, however, that cats truly leapt onto the canvas as stars in their own right. Édouard Manet’s provocative Olympia (1863) shocked Parisian society. He replaced the traditional loyal dog at the subject’s feet with a bold, arch-backed black cat, transforming its symbolism from fidelity to sensuality and independence.

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In the 20th century, cats became muses for artists like Pablo Picasso and Léonard Foujita, admired for their fluid lines and mysterious presence. The Surrealists also embraced feline symbolism, seeing cats as embodiments of freedom and unpredictability. Today, they remain iconic in contemporary culture—from fine art to digital media—bridging high art and everyday life.

From sacred icons to modern-day muses, cats have carved out a permanent place in art and culture. Their presence across history reminds us that inspiration often comes from the beings closest to us—creatures who walk beside us, yet carry an air of mystery we can never fully tame. In the same spirit, it was the cat Taibaak who inspired our brand’s founder to be brave and creative, to break boundaries, and to embrace every possibility without fear.

5 FAMOUS ARTWORKS FEATURING CATS IN HISTORY

Leonardo da Vinci – Studies of Cats (c. 1513–18)

A series of sketches where Leonardo captured cats in motion and rest, highlighting his fascination with their anatomy and playful nature.

Currently held in The Royal Collection, specifically within the Royal Library at Windsor Castle, England

Édouard Manet – Olympia (1863)

One of the most controversial and groundbreaking paintings of the 19th century. While the nude courtesan Olympia is the focus, the black cat at the foot of her bed is loaded with symbolism. In art history, cats often represented sensuality, independence, and sometimes prostitution. Its arched back and alert tail add a layer of tension and defiance to the scene.

Currently held in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris. It has been part of their collection since 1986.

Pierre-Auguste Renoir – Julie Manet with Cat (1887)

This portrait of the young daughter of Berthe Morisot and Eugène Manet is a classic of Impressionist portraiture. The composition is made uniquely charming by the large, fluffy grey cat nuzzling against Julie. The cat adds a sense of warmth, texture, and casual intimacy to the scene.

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Théophile-Alexandre Steinlen – Le Chat Noir

This is arguably the most iconic poster of the Parisian Belle Époque. Created for the legendary Montmartre cabaret club "Le Chat Noir," Steinlen's elegant, mysterious black cat set against a bold yellow background became an instant symbol of bohemian, avant-garde Paris and remains a pop culture icon today.