International Cat Day!

This little kitty is hoping for some porridge in this charming scene by John Burr from 1867. ‘Breakfast’ is on display in our Broughty Castle Museum.

This smiling cat ceramic by Katie Horsman (1975) was made in a press mould, which was used over and over again to make many cats. Though all had an identical shape, Horsman used different clays, experimented with firing techniques and used assorted glazes to create diverse feline characters. This one has a jaunty ear chain and glittering green eyes. On display in our Long Gallery at The McManus.

Here is a very dapper ‘Puss in Boots’ by the Pre-Raphaelite artist John Everett Millais (1877). The jokey title refers to the famous fairy tale character. Perhaps this flamboyant feline is imploring the little girl to provide him with booties for his two other feet? On display in the Victoria Gallery at The McManus.

This beautiful bronze statuette of the Egyptian cat goddess, Bastet is on display in our Dundee and the World gallery at The McManus. Bastet was originally a fierce lioness warrior goddess of the sun, worshipped throughout most of #ancientEgyptian history. Often, she is represented as a woman with a cat’s head. Cats feature prominently in ancient Egyptian art and were highly revered as companions as well as useful predators to control pests, gradually becoming symbols of divinity and protection.

For many black cats are symbols of good luck, and here is a sweet little Goss China cup featuring a #blackcat with a yellow mouse, wishing us #goodluck from Broughty Ferry. On display in our #BroughtyCastle Museum.