Vintage Cat Ladies: 15 Historical Photos of Famous Women and Everyday Women With Their Beloved Cats

Being a crazy cat lady will never go out of style. The look, the persona, the lifestyle—it just keeps growing stronger and stronger with every new era. Women and their beloved cats can never be parted. Back in the day, if you were single and living with a cat or cats you were negatively considered either a spinster or a witch. Single women now, in 2023, who are living with their beloved cat or cats hold that title with pride. You wanna come mess with their cats? You better think again. 

Truly though, it's not just women, cats are loved by all. If you are a cat person, then you understand. But today is International Women's Day and although we celebrate the dutiful role of "cat lady" every single day here at ICanHas, we want to take a moment to look back on its history and praise the first  cat ladies of society. From famous women to just random pictures of unknown woman from the past, these ladies truly embraced their cat lady titles with no shame. So continue the good work, crazy cat ladies!

Author image for Elna McHilderson Elna McHilderson
Advertisement

For a weekly dose of animal-themed community challenges - Subscribe to our Newsletter!

Can't get enough of ICanHasCheezburger? Find us on Instagram!

Tags

cat ladies crazy cat lady international women's day beloved-cat-ladies cat mom famous-cat-ladies famous-women famous cats feminism historical-women Cats famous-cat-moms
Scroll Down For The Next Article

Also From I Can Has Cheezburger?

What A Stand Up Guy: 20 Photos Proving That Cats Wont Be Caught Lying Down

What A Stand Up Guy: 20 Photos Proving That Cats Wont Be Caught Lying Down

Trending Now

‘This yard is her entire world’: After 8 months of befriending the neighborhood feral cat who lacks survival skills, a kind neighbor purrvides an indoor home for a single-braincelled orange kitty

‘This yard is her entire world’: After 8 months of befriending the neighborhood feral cat who lacks survival skills, a kind neighbor purrvides an indoor home for a single-braincelled orange kitty

01
27 Feline Funnies Featuring Silly Cats Being the Most "Cat" They Can Get

27 Feline Funnies Featuring Silly Cats Being the Most "Cat" They Can Get

02
20 Funniest Lol-Worthy Cat Memes of the Week From Your 'I Can Has Cheezburger' Feline Family (May 16, 2025)

20 Funniest Lol-Worthy Cat Memes of the Week From Your 'I Can Has Cheezburger' Feline Family (May 16, 2025)

03
Hikers Catch a Paint-Covered Ragdoll Kitten at the Trailhead, Then They Cancel Their Trek and Seize the Adorable Cat, Giving the Kitten the Love and Care They Deserve

Hikers Catch a Paint-Covered Ragdoll Kitten at the Trailhead, Then They Cancel Their Trek and Seize the Adorable Cat, Giving the Kitten the Love and Care They Deserve

04
25 Furiday Feline Funnies Full of Refreshing Cat Energy For Your Day

25 Furiday Feline Funnies Full of Refreshing Cat Energy For Your Day

05
'She keeps trying to force me to give them away': A shedding showdown sparks family feud, but cat community steps in with adorable advice to avoid a kitty cat-astrophe

'She keeps trying to force me to give them away': A shedding showdown sparks family feud, but cat community steps in with adorable advice to avoid a kitty cat-astrophe

06
Advertisement