A whimsical visual survey of the house cat in art and popular culture, exploring humanity’s enduring connection to one of our most loved animal companions

A collection of more than 200 stunning images, Cat is a comprehensive yet playful celebration of the house cat in art and popular culture. Thoughtfully paired to reveal intriguing juxtapositions, these diverse works showcase the exciting ways the cat has inspired across time and cultures.

From tabbies to tortoiseshells, Japanese maneki-neko lucky cats to artists pets, and ancient mosaics to contemporary couture, this book revels in the undeniable aesthetic appeal of our feline friends. Essays by Hannah Shaw, also known as Kitten Lady, and Leila Jarbouai trace humanity s symbiotic relationship with cats through the lens of visual culture and empathetically connect us to this cherished animal in images. Throughout a wide range of surprising and renowned artists and creators are featured, including Tracey Emin, Louis Wain, Thom Browne, and Yoshitomo Nara, as well as iconic characters, such as Puss in Boots, the Cheshire Cat, and more.

Cat brings this captivating animal to life with something to satisfy cat lovers on every page.

Details

ISBN13: 9781838669447
Format: Hardback
Number of Pages: 232
Edition:
Publication Date: 17 Feb 2026
Publisher: Phaidon Press Ltd
Publication City, Country: London, United Kingdom
Dimensions (cm): 27(H)x23.3(L)x3(W)1820
Weight (gm): 1820

Author Biography

Phaidon Editors

Hannah Shaw, also known as Kitten Lady, is an award-winning kitten rescuer and humane educator who has dedicated her life to innovating kitten care and protecting the most vulnerable felines. A New York Times bestselling author of Tiny but Mighty and Cats of the World, Shaw is also the founder of the leading nonprofit for kittens, Orphan Kitten Club.

Leila Jarbouai is an art historian, writer, and Chief Curator of Graphic Arts and Paintings at the Musee d Orsay in Paris. She is also the author of Cats, a book about cat-focused artworks in the Orsay's collections.

Reviews

‘The purrfect source of inspiration.’ – The Times

‘Cat is a purr-fect celebration of felines in art throughout the centuries.’ – Colossal

'Monumental …the book’s text is as intriguing as the pictures.' – Harper’s Bazaar

'If the goal was to make a ‘cool’ cat book, mission accomplished. ’ – Creative Boom

‘This illustrated catalogue features a fur-midible range of feline depictions, from Greek vases to internet memes.’ – Apollo

'A whimsical and fascinating visual journey … it’s delightfully purrrrfect!' – Daily Art Magazine