This Journalist Collects Vintage Cat Photos That Might Melt Your Heart (20 New Pics)

Bored Panda reached out to Paula Leite Moreira once more to learn more about her insights on the evolving portrayal of cats in photography across different eras and cultures.

When asked if she noticed any patterns or trends in how cats were photographed across different decades or countries, the journalist mentioned that in the early days of photography, around the mid-19th century in Europe, photos often depicted kittens mimicking human poses, sometimes even dressed in tiny outfits. "These images were frequently made for postcards. But aside from that period, it's remarkable how photos from decades ago are similar to those we see today. Owners also enjoyed capturing casual moments with their cats at home, with their families, in an unpretentious way."

Nowadays, thanks to the internet, we're in a time when cats are incredibly popular, which, according to Paula, helps challenge old stereotypes. "I believe that in the previous century, they were also loved by their owners, but they didn't have the same viral popularity filled with memes and cute videos that win over even those who aren't big cat fans. I'm very happy about this, and I hope my work contributes to it."

We were curious about the most surprising or unusual place where Paula came across a vintage photo of a cat. "Definitely a photo of a kitten 'hidden' in the so-called 'longest beard in the world' of a Frenchman named Louis Coulo," the journalist responded.

When asked which photo she'd step into to meet the cat (and perhaps its owner), Paula didn’t hesitate: "How could I not choose Freddie Mercury’s photos with his cats? It would be an honor to meet this legend in person."