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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

From our private archive: cat Poes (in 2022) caught in the guinea pig cage, whose occupants are surprisingly unbothered. Poes, meanwhile, seems most confused by the situation

A cat (tabby-white) sits inside a guinea pig-cage. The two ginger and white-black-ginger guinea pigs go about their business at the other end of the cage.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

A woman sells shellfish and shrimp from her baskets. A cat hangs around, hoping to get some, and is especially eyeing the shrimp. The Netherlands, circa 1920.

Three women stand in the doorway, one holding a plate. Two baskets of fish sit on the ground. One woman looks into the camera, while the other two look down at the cat and laugh. The cat looks up at them, hopeful. National Archives, The Netherlands

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

From our private archive: Zina, our beautiful black cat, hard at work on printer duty. With unwavering concentration, she supervised every page that emerged from the printer (circa 2020).She passed away in January at the age of 17 and is deeply missed

Black cat Zina sitting on top of a Canon printer, intently watching a freshly printed page emerge. The cat's head is lowered in concentration, creating the impression of carefully reading the document.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 19/09/2026

CATS ON THEIR CAT BALCONIES, ca. 1950-1980. The cats watch each other, the street, and perhaps, via the mirrors, they spy on their neighbours. Barely visible on the street sign it says the “Van Houweningenstraat” in Amsterdam-West. Photographer unknown; it appears to be a photomontage.

In what appears to be a photomontage, we see two close-ups of parts of street gables, with two cat balconies: boxes projecting from the windows and covered with chicken wire. Inside both cat balconies a black-and-white cat watching the photographer. Also visible are two small mirrors attached to the gables, used by the inhabitants to see the street and who is standing downstairs in front of the door. Photo National Archives, The Netherlands.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Recent catistory A red cat relaxing in an Italian restaurant in the heart of Amsterdam

A relaxed orange cat sleeping on a wooden table inside an Italian restaurant in central Amsterdam, with in front a neatly set table and shelves of bottles in the background.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

1950-1975. Place unknown, photo by Simon Engel (National Archives, The Netherlands)  Cat meets tourist

A female tourist is photographing a white cat with a black patch, black ears and a black tail on an old stone staircase. They are both on a stone staircase made of cobblestones, built against the rock face. The woman is wearing a yellow skirt and blouse, and carrying a camera and a black handbag.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

In the category recent catistory: Amsterdam warehouse cat—ruling the place like a boss

A black cat sitting proudly on a Monopoly board in a bright warehouse‑style room, surrounded by game pieces and Monopoly money.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 05/09/2026

1897-1912. Photo by Adriaan Boer, National Archives, The Netherlands Cat keeping a knitting girl company

In a black-and-white photograph with a round frame, on the left side of the photograph, a cat – which appears to be white – is sitting on a wicker chair. Close by, opposite the cat (on the right side of the photograph), a girl in traditional dress is knitting. Her headdress, a large white bonnet, is particularly striking. The girl is looking down at her knitting, whilst the cat is looking at the camera.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Recent catistory: A sweet Amsterdam cat, wearing his little GPS tag, sits comfortably beside his friend, a cat-shaped watering can.

A black cat with green eyes sitting on a paved surface next to a small watering can in the shape of a cat. The real cat wears a black collar with a visible GPS tag, and has a tiny white patch on its chest. Behind them a flower pot is partly visible.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

1962 NEXT TO THE CAT ON THE WALL lies what appears to be the photographer Van der Chijs’ coat. I imagine he first stopped to pet her, then realised he should photograph her, put down his coat, and got to work. The flirting cat was surely rewarded with a few strokes (and perhaps a head bunt).

In this black-and-white photograph in the collection of the National Archive of the Netherlands, a tabby cat with white paws and a white chin lies on a low wall, with grass or corn behind her and trees in the distance. A coat or other piece of fabric lies beside her on the wall. The sun shines on the cat, casting a long shadow. She gazes longingly into the camera, her head resting on the wall and one paw draped casually over the edge.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

In the category ‘Recent Catistory’, a bold, beautiful cat strutting through the heart of Amsterdam

Ginger cat walking confidently along a paved street in central Amsterdam, with parked bicycles and storefronts in the background

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

National Archive, The Netherlands. Date, place and photographer unknown

A cat and a man, who fishes, sit on a small jetty. They both look out over the water patiently.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

A young Sylvia Plath and a little boy standing outside a house, with Sylvia holding a small, tabby cat. Circa 1940.

In this black-and-white photograph, Plath stands on the right (on the pavement), holding a small cat that is lying back comfortably. Plath has two long braids and is smiling at the camera. Beside her stands a young boy with short blond hair, his hands resting on his hips. He looks at the cat fondly.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

1964, Archive Zeeland, The Netherlands. Photo by T. Slagboom Woman in traditional Dutch (Zeeland) costume holding a cat

A cat is held high up by an old lady in traditional costume. She looks to the left of the camera, the cat to the right. The sun shines on the woman’s face and head dress and on the cat’s neck.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

In September 1955, as filming of Giant (1956) was coming to an end, James Dean got a Siamese kitten from co-star Elizabeth Taylor whom he had befriended during the film’s shooting. He named the cat Marcus, after his cousin.

James Dean leans over a table toward a cat in the foreground, in a dimly lit room with a bright window and shelves behind him.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

1946. Archive Drenthe, the Netherlands. Photo by Rudolph Otto van Holthe tot Echten (1892-1971) Cat feeds at least three kittens, hero!

A tabby lies down on the pavement, eyes closed and seemingly very content. At least three kittens (darker than their mother) drink enthusiastically. Behind the cats on the pavement there seems to be a drinking bowl, but maybe it’s another bit of pottery

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

One of our favourite writers, Colette, pictured in 1937, utterly devoted to her cats

Colette sits on a couch, holding two similar looking, beautiful cats

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

1920-1930. Collection Hillebrands Archive of Drenthe, The Netherlands Two sisters sit behind their family home. The cat—paws almost seeming to light up—sits comfortably between them on a stool (or throne) covered with a Persian rug.

At the back on old house two sisters sit on chairs, one with a cup of tea in her hand. They are clearly dressed in 1920 cloths. They look very alike, their faces but there are also parallels in their clothing and posture (they both wear a skirt, light cloths and both have their legs crossed). The stool the cat sits on is placed slightly in front of them and in between them. Four white paws of the tabby are visible and more white on stomach and neck. The three of them all face the camera, the women seem to suppress a smile

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Cats of Yore @catsofyore.bsky.social · 28/07/2026

A perfect quiet moment. Photo from my collection, no date/info.

Black-and-white photo of a short haired light, tabby, cat grooming it’s front leg. It is sitting on a very puffy pillow, which is on top of the seat of a wooden rocking chair. The scene is lit from the left where there’s a window letting in natural light. The room behind the cat on the right is dark so there’s beautiful contrast between the puddle of light that the cat is sitting in and the dark room behind it.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 25/07/2026

1910-1930. Archive Drenthe, collection Ter Haar, The Netherlands A happy cat in what seems to be an uncomfortable pose. The woman holding the cat has more reason to be happy (with such a cat!), but, oddly, seems not.

A woman looks at the cat she holds, her right arm is under the cat, her left hand she holds around the cat’s neck. She looks stern and not pleased. The cat lies, belly up, in her arms and looks at the camera. He or she seems very content. Behind them there is a curtain.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 22/07/2026

Henri Matisse with cats, photographed by Robert Capa, 1949.

Henri Matisse sits upright in bed, writing at a table covered with books and papers. A black cat stands on the bed in the foreground, while a smaller cat rests near his legs. Shelves with books and a cabinet are visible in the background.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 18/07/2026

Photo by Philip D. Gendreau, before 1979 We support Smithsonian! ‘LOUNGING CAT’

A black-and-white picture, which consists of a close-up of a beautiful grey and white cat, looking at something or someone, while lounging

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Jean Cocteau in the early 1950s, holding Madeleine, the Siamese cat that often appeared in his portraits. “I love cats because I enjoy my home; and little by little, they become its visible soul.” — Jean Cocteau

A black‑and‑white photograph of Jean Cocteau indoors, gently holding a Siamese cat named Madeleine. He wears a light shirt and vest, and soft window light falls behind them.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

1995, by photo journalist Ger Loefen (Regional archive of Nijmegen, the Netherlands) SHIP’S CAT

A young cat, with tiger stripes and white paws and neck, stands proudly - tail up - on deck of a ship

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 04/07/2026

Dordrecht, The Netherlands (Collection Regionaal Archief Dordrecht) 1937 Cat on a windowsill. Someone (perhaps the photographer) seemingly admiring the cat (who is indeed very worthy of admiration), is reflected in the window.

A cat lies on a wide windowsill. Next to it is a vase with flowers. Inside, behind the window, are a white vase and a few other objects. A person is reflected in the window. The photo is in black and white and framed in a round cartouche.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Clark Gable and Carole Lombard photographed in the late 1930s, each holding a Siamese cat

Gable and Lombard sit on a couch. Gable looks at the Siamese kitten he is holding up, while Lombard looks at Gable. She, too, is holding up a Siamese kitten.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 28/06/2026

“Cat is coming home”, this photo is called. Taken 1955-1964 (Collection E. Beket, Regionaal archief Dordrecht) A remarkable picture blurring the line between photography and painting.

A black cat with white paws comes home. He leans against the door, pushing it open, so it seems. The cat lives at number 23, a neglected house with peeling paint and broken windows. A trash bin stands in front of the house. Black-and-white photo.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 25/06/2026

Frida Kahlo. Self-portrait with thorn necklace and hummingbird, oil on canvas, 1940. Sadly, the cat didn’t make it into the title and she stands as a symbol of misfortune.

Painting in typical Kahlo-style. It’s a self-portrait, which is evident because of the one-brow, the black cat sits behind Kahlo’s left shoulder and has a high back

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 20/06/2026

Photo by Klaas van Buiten, Drents archief, the Netherlands 1945-1955

Children and a few adults have gathered outside and are looking into a box on a table. Perhaps there is an animal inside? In front a young girl holds a black-and-white cat on her arm, she too wants to see what is in the box. There is also a child with a dog, the description reads.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

During Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1914 Antarctic expedition, Mrs. Chippy, a robust tabby, joined the crew aboard the Endurance. Despite her somewhat misleading name, Mrs. Chippy was a male cat, beloved by all.

Tomcat Mrs Chippy (a beautiful tabby) stands on the right shoulder of a crew member with short, dark hair; their cheeks seems to touch each other. The man looks (proudly?) into the camera, Mrs Chippy very confidently focusses on something just to the right of the camera

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

Zeeuw Archief, photo made in Vlissingen, The Netherlands, undated Cat at the workplace

A workman feeds a cat in what appears to be a factory.

A cat eats in front of a large industrial machine; a ladder lies on the floor in the background.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 10/06/2026

Edwin Hubble and his beloved cat, Nicholas Copernicus, uncharacteristically not sprawled across important papers and books.

Hubble with his black cat in his arms. Next to him scales and an art work or mathematical instrument, or both

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

1955, Den Haag. Haags gemeentearchief, The Netherlands

Two old women are standing and talking to each other in a beautiful, old ‘hofje’ (a secluded courtyard with homes traditionally inhabited only by women). In the foreground on the right, a cat is eating from two bowls that the women have probably placed there.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

Aldous Huxley, British-American writer(1894-1963) with cat. He is said to have remarked: ‘If you want to write, keep cats’

Huxley sits outside in a garden chair looking at his (big) cat who lies in his arm and on his lap. Huxley appears to be petting the cat, who seems very at ease

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 30/05/2026

c. 1980-1990. Photographed in Japan by Ed van der Elsken Japanese cat is not in the mood

A woman on the street looks at a cat who turns his or her back to the woman, ears flat in annoyance. Another woman has a baby in a carrier and looks the other way

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 27/05/2026

German-born French actress Romy Schneider holds two kittens in the episode ‘Il lavoro’ in Boccaccio ‘70 by Federico Fellini (Photo by Reporters Associati & Archivi/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images) 1961

In this black-and-white image Romy Schneider holds two kittens, a white and grey (?) one, one in each hand. They lean against her neck (the white kitten) and rest on her shoulder (the grey kitten). Schneider does not look into the camera.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 23/05/2026

1984, Nagasaki, photographed by Ed van der Elsken. Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

Woman is making a telephone call on the street, with a small cat on her arm

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Gustav Klimt was deeply fond of cats and kept many of them in his studios in Vienna. Visitors often described his workspace as full of cats wandering freely among his drawings and materials. Despite his affection for them, cats do not appear in his art. His love for them was personal.

Gustav Klimt holds a black-and-white cat in his arms. Both look into the camera, both look happy.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 16/05/2026

Oss, The Netherlands, Archive Brabant CAT BARBARA with Jo in a field, 1958

A woman wearing glasses and a 1950s coat holds a black-and-white cat, with in the background a field. The cat looks at the camera, the woman looks at her cat.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

PORTRAIT OF A BOY AND HIS CAT 1906-1910, Archive Drenthe, The Netherlands. The cat is called ‘Broer’ (brother), the boy is Anne Clasinus Leonard Marie Kymmell (1896-1972).

A boy in suit sits on a chair, he holds a cat in his right arm that sits on a table. Both look into the camera.

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viraltrenddaily.bsky.social @viraltrenddaily.bsky.social · 28/04/2026

WW1 cats were sent to kill rats, but ended up healing hearts. Some stories deserve more attention. #History #Cats #WW1 #Facts #Trending

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

Before 1918, The Netherlands. RKD Spending a lot of time together: have they actually started to look alike?

A woman sits in a chair, outside, with a cat on her lap. Both look into the camera.

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MankaBros @mankabros.bsky.social · 26/04/2026

This Date In Manka Bros History-April 26, 1934: After a string of film flops, studio boss Khan Manka fires his brother Simeon and appoints his cat, Mittens, as head of Manka Bros. Pictures. mankabros.com #hollywoodstudios #HollywoodHistory #oldhollywood #FilmHistory #cats #satire #parody #burbank

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 25/04/2026

Early 20th-century, National archives, The Netherlands

A boy with a cart holds a fish above a hungry cat, which sits upright on its hind legs. The scene takes place on a nearly empty street, with only a single car visible. The image is in black and white.

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 18/04/2026

Rotterdam, The Netherlands, 1988 NEIGHBOURHOOD CAT

A black cat sits on a garden wall looking out over the neighbourhood and the photographer. The picture is in black and white.

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Dan Falk @danfalk.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

It was a treat to see some of the items in the rare book collection at the Linda Hall Library in KC last month. Here's Bruce showing me a first edition of Galileo's Siderius Nuncius; also, here's Edward Topsell's "The History of Four-footed Beasts" (1607). #books #science #histsci

A photo of Bruce from Linda Hall Library and myself, looking at. rare books spread out on a table.

The frontispiece of Edward Topsell's "The History of Four-footed Beasts" (1607), with an engraving of a strange, scaled cow-like creature.

A page from Edward Topsell's "The History of Four-footed Beasts" (1607), showing a grumpy-looking animal labelled as a "cat."

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catistory @catistory.bsky.social · 12/04/2026

1960, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. Photo by Cock Tholens If a cat doesn’t want to be lifted, a cat doesn’t want to be lifted.

A black‑and‑white photo of a seated woman next to a window, holding up a cat that is trying to get down. The woman faces the camera and laughs uncomfortably.

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