“New Publication Honors Cat Companions Across the Ages”
Some 4,000 years in the past, cats gracefully entered our existence for the very first time. Over the millennia, we have continued to domesticate these cherished animals, depending on them for hunting, companionship, and even veneration, as seen in ancient Egypt. Presently, cats inhabit every continent except Antarctica, with approximately 49 million households in the U.S. having at least one feline companion in 2024. Now, a fresh book honors the cat’s lasting role not only in our lives but also in visual art and culture.
Released by Phaidon in February 2026, *Cat* presents a whimsical exploration of its titular animal, showcased across more than 200 images. These illustrations encompass everything from ancient mosaics and modern clothing to abstract sculptures and informative brochures from 19th century Thailand. In addition to featuring numerous tortoiseshells, tabbies, and the fortunate maneki-neko cats, the extensive book also investigates iconic pop-culture figures and memes, including Puss in Boots, Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat, the Cheshire Cat, and Nyan Cat. Esteemed artists are featured throughout the book as well, including Judy Chicago, Nan Goldin, Kerry James Marshall, Henri Matisse, and Yoshitomo Nara, among others.
Overall, *Cat* stands as a truly thorough anthology, showcasing how much we have treasured these companions, regardless of the era or setting. Given its global and stylistic range, it is no wonder that the book surprises and entertains, whether through Doja Cat’s cat-themed Met Gala outfit from 2023, or a limestone tablet dating back to c. 1295–1075 BCE depicting an anthropomorphized cat attending to feline royalty. Satoru Tsuda, for example, presents a playful image of two cats adorned in Japanese school uniforms, while Bill Traylor shares an illustrated cat with bold, almost startled eyes.
What most sets the book apart are its insightful juxtapositions, pairing unexpected images to encourage deeper contemplation. One page features a resin sculpture by Lee Sangsoo, illustrating a Siamese cat created through intricately-painted, intertwined forms. This artwork faces an anonymous illustration from a 19th-century study on cats, showcasing a Siamese and a grayish-black cat sitting on wooden tables. By placing these two pieces in dialogue, we are invited to trace the advancement of visual depiction from illustrative realism to sculptural abstraction.
Another spread contains a detailed engraving from 1657, portraying a tabby gently shutting its eyes. The monochrome image pairs beautifully with a 2014 photograph by Martin Parr, featuring a real-life Garfield scenting a cake positioned on a table. Much like his 1657 counterpart, this orange cat appears equally relaxed, his eyes scarcely open as if enjoying the cake’s sweet aroma. It’s a comical pairing, highlighting how cats symbolize both tranquility and mischief.
“This volume illustrates that cats have endlessly inspired artists, authors, animal rescuers, musicians, photographers, fashion designers, filmmakers, and seemingly anyone who has ever had the delight of enjoying the present moment alongside this creature,” Leïla Jarbouai notes in the book’s introduction. “The pages that follow reveal how humans have mirrored cats’ inherent philosophy: to be ourselves, regardless of circumstances; to remain faithful to our essence; and to stay free without subservience.”
*Cat* is now available for purchase via Bookshop.org and Phaidon’s website.
Cat enthusiasts, rejoice! Phaidon has published the purr-fect book featuring over 200 images showcasing beloved feline companions throughout history and across various cultures.
In *Cat*, we have the opportunity to delve into the artistic and cultural portrayals of cats through sculptures, advertisements, mosaics, limestone tablets, paintings, and more.