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.
Cats in Ancient Egypt: Sacred Icons
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 to the 19th Century: Symbolism in Art
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.
Modern and Contemporary Art: Cats as Muses
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.
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. Here are 6 cats in art history that cat lover may adore:
Utagawa Kuniyoshi – Cats Suggested as The Fifty-three Stations of the Tōkaidō (c. 1847-1850)
A whimsical parody of Hiroshige’s famous Tōkaidō series; Kuniyoshi depicts cats in place of human travellers and landscapes for each of the stations.
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.
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.
Pablo Picasso – Cat Devouring a Bird (1939)
A dramatic and powerful work created during the Spanish Civil War, where the cat becomes a metaphor for violence and predation.
From Ancient Icons to Modern Cat Furniture: The taibaak Vision
Across history, cats have inspired artists, writers, and dreamers. At taibaak, we believe that inspiration should extend beyond galleries and into our daily lives. Our designer cat scratchers are created with this spirit – to be brave and creative, to break boundaries, and to embrace every possibility without fear. More than just pet supplies, our art – inspired cat scratchers are functional works of art.
Created with both cats and humans in mind, each piece blends seamlessly into different home decor styles—minimalist, bohemian, or contemporary. taibaak reimagines the ordinary cat scratcher as a bold statement piece that unites pets, people, and interior design.
Just as cats have walked beside humanity for millennia, inspiring countless works of art, Taibaak celebrates their enduring spirit—transforming everyday cat furniture into artful expressions of creativity and modern living. We also offer customised art cat scratchers, designed to reflect both your home’s style and your cat’s unique personality. Join us in celebrating the timeless bond between art, pets, and people.
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