How Louis Wain Changed the Perception of Cats Through Art

Here are just a few of Louis Wain's cat artworks that changed history in the cat world.

Can you believe there was a point in time when cats were seen as pests? During the late 19th century, no respectable member of British society would dare keep a cat as a pet.

Enter the original cat artist, Louis Wain. He was able to change people’s perception of cats through his illustrations published by Illustrated London News in 1886. The newspaper gave him an outlet to create illustrations that humanized cats — think cats playing the piano or even cricket. These whimsical pieces quickly changed people’s perception of this curious and delightful creature, and cats soon became a household-favorite pet.

Throughout his life, Wain worked on various illustrations of animals, countryside vistas and even events such as country fairs for several journals. Here are just a few of Louis Wain’s cat artworks that managed to change history in the cat world.

‘There Is Luck in Odd Numbers’

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‘Cats, Kittens and a Running Dog, Studies From a Sketchbook’

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‘Black Cat’

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‘A Tabby Cat’

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‘Cat at a Piano’

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‘Tabby Cat With Green Eyes, Head Study’

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‘Seated Tabby Cat’

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‘How’s That, Umpire!?’

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‘Played!’

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‘Cricket on the Village Green’

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‘Leg Stump Out’

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