9 Photos That Prove Humans Loved Cat Photos Way Before The Internet
And yes, they’re still precious.
Cat videos took over early 2000s Youtube with popular videos like Nyan Cat, grossing over 198 million views, and The Kitty Cat Dance, receiving over 19 million views, taking the internet by storm. Other popular cat-based media like the website,“I Can Has Cheezburger,” started generating enough funny animal content to keep unsuspecting internet users occupied for hours on end.
However, catching the perfect picture of your cat for the ‘Gram is nothing new. People have been snapping pictures of their pets, and sharing them, long before the existence of Youtube. Here are some of my favorite historic pictures of man’s lesser known best friend:
1. The cat drinks foamy, fresh milk
Who doesn’t love watching their pet enjoy a treat? This cat is taking its time lapping up foamy farm-fresh milk. This photo was taken in June of 1941 in Canyon, County, Idaho by photographer Russell Lee.
2. Cat on a Shoe Shine Stand on Sidewalk
This cat is taking its time to rest on a shoe shine stand on the sidewalk in New York City. This cheeky moment was captured by photographer Angelo Rizzuto in September of 1960.
3. Cat sitting on car with skyscrapers in the distance
This black and white kitty sits unafraid on the hood of a car in New York City. Don’t mess with New Yorkers — but definitely don’t mess with their cats. This moment was another captured by photographer Angelo Rizzuto in October 1958.
4. Convoy asleep in a hammock aboard HMS Hermione
Did you know that cats acted as mascots and mousing animals on British warships? During wartime, cats served as necessary companions, often getting their very own hammock to relax in throughout the day.
5. Lieutenant Commander R H Palmer plays with Peebles
Ship cats had a lot of fun on the high seas with their naval friends. Here, Peebles the cat is featured playing with a crewmate. According to Wikipedia, he was well known for being a smart cat, often shaking “hands” with strangers.
6. Cat wearing a face mask
This family, concerned the Spanish Flu was zoonotic, masked their family cat — something not unlike families during the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. Although there is some debate that the cat simply had a white patch of fur, the thought of a family loving their pet so dearly as to protect the pet the same as theirselves is truly touching.
7. A patron of “Sammy’s Bowery Follies,” a downtown bar, sleeping at his table while the resident cat laps at his beer
This sneaky cat is stealing a sip of beer from an unsuspecting patron of Sammy’s Bowery Follies on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. This photo was taken during 1947 and purr-fectly sums up our timeless relationship with our feline friends.
8. Daughter of Charles B. Lewis, miner, holding her kitten
Here, the daughter of a coal miner cradles a small black kitten in the kitchen of her home in a company housing project in Sweetwater County, Wyoming. Children, without question, have a special connection with animals that us adults can’t quite understand. Cats have always made great companions — even in the toughest of times.
9. “Tige” the White House cat and pet of Mrs. Coolidge has been returned
Here, “Tige,” the White House cat of President Calvin Coolidge, was caught sneaking around the navy building on the grounds of the White House by naval guard Benj. Fink. Even presidential cats had the need to roam. This photo was captured on March 25, 1924 — it’s said that Tige’s disappearance was broadcast over Washington radio.
Thank you for stopping by! What’s the oldest picture you have of your cat? Even before I was born, my parents were taking pictures of their first baby, Molly, the domestic shorthair tabby. I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments.
