Top 8 Vintage Cat Prints and Illustrations for Cat Lovers

Collection · Cats

The cat in art, from woodblock to advert

Elegance, curiosity and playful mischief — cats have inspired artists for centuries, from Japanese woodblock to whimsical Victorian illustration and vintage photography.

Their elegance, curiosity and personality make cats perfect subjects for art. Many historic cat artworks are admired today as prints and wall decor, bringing warmth and character into a home.

Whether playful, mysterious or downright funny, these images celebrate the spirit of cats while reflecting very different artistic traditions.

Cats woodblock print by Utagawa Kuniyoshi framed on a wall
01 / 07

Utagawa Kuniyoshi

Cats

Kuniyoshi was famous for imaginative prints and his love of animals. Across his cat series he gave them playful, expressive, almost human personalities.

The results pair the elegance of traditional woodblock with real humour — curious, relaxed or mischievous cats caught mid-behaviour. A lively, artistic presence on any wall.

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Gothic Cat illustration by Louis Wain framed on a wall
02 / 07

Louis Wain

Gothic Cat

Wain’s cat illustrations were hugely popular in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries — cats behaving like people, dressed up or caught mid-social-occasion.

Gothic Cat shows his playful, sometimes surreal streak: expressive, whimsical and full of personality. Among the most recognisable cat artworks ever made.

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Cat and Kittens painting by Henriette Ronner framed on a wall
03 / 07

Henriette Ronner-Knip

Cat and Kittens

The Dutch painter was renowned for her detailed studies of cats. Here a mother watches over her playful kittens in a gentle domestic scene.

Her work leans on warmth and realism — soft textures and natural poses create a feeling of comfort and affection. Ideal for cosy, classic interiors.

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Cat on Cushion print by Theophile Steinlen framed on a wall
04 / 07

Théophile Steinlen

Cat on Cushion

The French artist made many famous images of cats, often drawn from the street life of Paris.

In Cat on Cushion, a relaxed pose captures the elegance and independence of the animal; strong outlines and a simple composition keep it striking and decorative — a timeless feline presence.

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Cat Playing Violin vintage photograph framed on a wall
05 / 07

Vintage photograph

Cat Playing Violin

This vintage photograph plays on our long fascination with animals behaving like humans. Such humorous images were popular in early photography and postcards, mixing curiosity with entertainment.

As wall art, the whimsy brings charm and personality into a room while celebrating the lighter side of vintage imagery.

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Cat and Goldfish woodblock print by Ohara Koson framed on a wall
06 / 07

Ohara Koson

Cat and Goldfish

Koson was known for delicate prints of birds and animals. Here a cat gazes curiously at a bowl of fish — a moment of quiet tension and curiosity.

His refined lines and soft colours make a peaceful composition that highlights the cat’s natural elegance. A lovely example of Japanese animal prints, and perfect as minimalist decor.

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Absinthe Bourgeois cat advertisement by Mourgue Freres framed on a wall
07 / 07

Mourgue Frères

Absinthe Bourgeois Cat Advertisement

Late-nineteenth-century advertising posters often used animals to grab attention. This absinthe advert shows how cats featured in vintage commercial design.

It combines illustration, typography and colour into memorable imagery — admired today for its historical significance and bold graphic style. A hit of retro character for a room.

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Cat art prints for every interior

Cat artworks span many traditions — from Japanese woodblock to European illustration and vintage photography. Their expressive subjects and varied styles make them wonderfully versatile decorative prints.

Displayed on their own or as part of a gallery wall, they bring warmth, humour and artistic charm into a space. For cat lovers and art enthusiasts alike, they celebrate one of the most fascinating animals in art history.

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