Throughout history, countless talented artists have expressed a deep affection for cats, often capturing their elegance and mysterious charm in their work. For many, these animals have been more than just pets; they have been cats as muses, inspiring creativity and serving as a wellspring of artistic ideas.
In this collection, we highlight contemporary artists who share this passion, showcasing intimate and captivating photographs that reveal their personal bonds with their feline companions. These relationships are a testament to how cats as muses can continue to inspire and enrich artistic journeys, providing a unique glimpse into the special connections that fuel their creative expression.
Henri Matisse
In the last decade of his life, Henri Matisse suffered from cancer and spent most of his time in bed or in a wheelchair. A number of cats kept him company, including Minouche and Coussi.
Gustav Klimt
Gustav Klimt called his cat Katze (which stands for “a cat” in German). Though the artist is not known for any artworks of cats, opting instead for female subjects, his love of his Katze is widely known.
Paul Klee
Paul Klee’s love for cats started at a young age since they were always a part of his family. Years later, Klee shared his studio with his feline friend, Bimbo, a beautiful white long-haired cat who followed him everywhere. In the memoir Kandinsky and I, Nina Kandinsky remembers Klee’s love for animals.
Andy Warhol
Andy Warhol had a deep affection for cats, which was vividly reflected in his artwork and personal life; in 1954, he published a whimsical book titled 25 Cats Name Sam and One Blue Pussy, featuring hand-colored lithographs of his feline friends. According to his nephew, who chronicled these stories in his 2009 book Uncle Andy’s Cats, Warhol’s obsession with cats began when he became concerned that his beloved single cat, Hester, might become lonely. To keep her company, he brought home another cat named Sam. Over time, this small act of companionship grew into a larger feline family, ultimately comprising 25 cats, all of whom Warhol humorously and affectionately named Sam. This collection not only showcased his fondness for cats but also reflected his playful, quirky personality that was evident throughout his art and personal life.
Wassily Kandinsky
While Wassily Kandinsky is primarily known for his pioneering work in abstract art, his artistic journey was also influenced by more personal subjects, including his love for cats. Evidence of this affection can be found in both his professional and personal life. In 1907, Kandinsky created a woodcut titled “Katze” (German for “Cat”). This artwork, which is part of the collection at the Guggenheim Museums and Foundation, shows that even in his earlier, more representational works, the artist was drawn to capturing the feline form. While not as famous as his later abstract masterpieces, this piece offers a glimpse into his direct interest in animal subjects. Beyond his artwork, Kandinsky had a deep bond with his own cat, a robust orange and white feline named Vaska. Numerous historical photographs show the artist with Vaska, highlighting a special connection between the two. This relationship with Vaska is believed by some to have been an inspiration for his work, showing that even the abstract artist found creative solace and inspiration in the simple presence of a beloved pet.
Salvador Dalí
Salvador Dalí, the eccentric master of Surrealism, was known for his flamboyant personality and equally unusual companions. His most famous pet was an ocelot named Babou, which he acquired in the 1960s. Dalí would often be seen with Babou on a leash, even bringing the wild cat to places like restaurants and luxury hotels. On one famous occasion, a diner became alarmed by the sight of the exotic animal. Dalí, with his characteristic wit, simply assured her that Babou was just a regular cat that he had “painted over in an op-art design.” While not directly featuring Babou, one of Dalí’s most well-known collaborations with photographer Philippe Halsman, titled “Dalí Atomicus,” famously included cats. The 1948 surrealist photograph shows Dalí, a chair, and a stream of water suspended in mid-air, along with three flying cats.
