Artists Who Painted Cats: A Tribute to Feline-Inspired Art

funny Mona Lisa cat recreated painting

Cats have long slinked their way into the hearts and homes of humans, serving not just as companions but also as muses for artists across centuries. 

Throughout history, the artist who painted cats has captured the elegance, mystery, and charm of these graceful creatures in countless forms.

The enigmatic nature, grace, and allure of felines have made them irresistible subjects for painters, illustrators, and sketch artists alike. 

This article dives into the world of art inspired by cats, highlighting iconic artists who made felines the center of their creative expression.

1. Leonardo da Vinci

One of the earliest and most celebrated artists known for drawing cats is none other than Leonardo da Vinci. 

While da Vinci is most famous for masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper, his notebooks reveal detailed sketches of animals, including several lifelike studies of cats in motion. 

He admired their anatomy and agility, often capturing their elegance in a few fluid strokes. For da Vinci, the cat was a marvel of nature worthy of careful observation.

Lady With an Ermine Cat – Work of Leonardo Da Vinci

2. Tsuguharu Foujita

A lesser-known but incredibly prolific artist who adored cats was Tsuguharu Foujita, a Japanese-French painter and printmaker. 

Foujita blended Eastern and Western styles, often painting whimsical and highly detailed portraits of cats. His 1920s works in Montparnasse, Paris, made him a sensation, especially his delicate ink and watercolor portrayals of cats that captured their softness and mysterious aura. 

Foujita even published a book titled “Book of Cats” in 1930, filled with illustrations and stories that celebrated his feline friends.

Tsuguharu Foujita's painting of the "cat with a bell" painting showcasing a cat laying down in a front facing manner with a bell around it's neck

CAT WITH A BELL – Tsuguharu Foujita

3. Théophile Steinlen

French Art Nouveau painter Théophile Steinlen is another iconic name associated with cat art. His most famous work, “Le Chat Noir” (The Black Cat), was created for a cabaret in Montmartre and has since become an enduring symbol of Parisian bohemian life. 

Steinlen lived with many cats, and they became regular features in his prints, posters, and sketches. His art reflects not only the physical form of cats but also their personalities and quirks.

Théophile Steinlen's paint depiction of a black cat and some words in french in the painting

“Le Chat Noir” War, Socialism, and Cats – Théophile Steinlen

4. Louis Wain

No discussion of cat art would be complete without mentioning Louis Wain, the British artist whose psychedelic and anthropomorphic cat illustrations have fascinated generations. 

Initially known for sweet and humorous drawings of cats engaged in human activities—such as drinking tea, playing instruments, or attending school—Wain’s work became increasingly abstract and vivid as his mental health deteriorated. 

His unique portrayal of cats contributed to their rising popularity as household pets in Victorian and Edwardian England.

Cat mother holding 3 kittens painting – Louis Wain

5. Suzanne Valadon

Suzanne Valadon, a French painter and model, often included cats in her domestic scenes and still lifes. Her strong use of lines and bold compositions emphasized the presence of the feline in everyday life.

 Valadon’s paintings showcased cats not as accessories but as central elements, often seen lounging or interacting with their human counterparts.

Bouquet and a Cat – Suzanne Valadon

6. Andy Warhol

Pop art icon Andy Warhol also had a notable obsession with cats, particularly in his early career. 

In the 1950s, Warhol produced a series of whimsical cat illustrations, most notably in the book “25 Cats Name Sam and One Blue Pussy,” which featured colorful and stylized renditions of his beloved pets. 

These works show Warhol’s softer, more personal side and his affinity for the elegance and character of cats.

Andy Warhol's cat named Sam painting depicting a pink colored brave looking cat

“Cat named Sam” – Andy Warhol

7. Balthus (Balthasar Klossowski)

Known for his enigmatic and sometimes controversial works, Balthus often included cats as symbolic elements in his paintings. 

In his art, cats frequently accompany young girls, adding a layer of mystery or domestic tranquility. The feline, for Balthus, was a creature of introspection and subtle emotion, reinforcing the enigmatic atmosphere of his compositions.

“The Cat of La Mediterrane” – Balthasar Klossowski

Why Artists Love Cats

So, why have so many artists been drawn to cats? 

Beyond their physical beauty, cats exude an air of independence, mystique, and sensuality that resonates with creative minds. 

They’re elegant yet unpredictable, affectionate yet aloof—qualities that mirror the artistic temperament. In many cultures, cats have also symbolized various traits: luck, curiosity, femininity, or even witchcraft, giving artists rich material to explore.

Cats are also naturally photogenic and aesthetically pleasing, making them perfect subjects for everything from detailed realism to bold abstraction. 

Whether lounging in sunbeams or leaping in mid-air, their forms offer endless inspiration for line, movement, and emotion.

From da Vinci’s sketches to Warhol’s pop art prints, the presence of cats in art history is both vast and varied. 

Each artist brought their unique perspective, style, and emotional lens to their depictions of these elegant creatures. 

For some, cats were companions and muses; for others, metaphors and symbols. One thing is certain: the bond between artists and their feline subjects is as timeless as art itself.

If you’re an art lover or a cat enthusiast—or both—there’s no shortage of masterpieces to discover that celebrate the curious charm of our feline friends. 

Perhaps, in exploring their legacy, you’ll be inspired to see your own pets in a whole new artistic light.

At ClassicPlainz, we believe that great art doesn’t need to be complicated. Our collection of black and white cat wall art speaks to the beauty of simplicity and brings unique style to any room. 

Whether you’re looking for a modern abstract piece or a classic sketch, you’ll find something that feels just right.

Browse our collection today and discover the perfect black and white drawing to complete your space!

What are your favorite black and white artworks? 

Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you and maybe send you an EASTER EGG!

Do you like Cats! Browse some Cat art prints

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