Since I began blogging this past year, it’s been such a joy to discover cat inspired artwork all over the world. I am amazed every day by the unending inspiration that the feline form (and temperament!) provides.

Although I love so much of the art I find, certain cat artists quickly became favorites – and a few became long-distance friends! There is a bond among cat lovers regardless of country or language – and art is the bridge.

I thought I would share eight of my favorite artists here on Katzenworld so more people could be introduced to their wonderful work. My mission for Kitty Curator is to raise the visibility of living artists so they can continue their craft. Art is essential to life and we must support our artists. Especially fellow cat lovers!

I’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you have a favorite cat artist, on this list or otherwise? Are you an artist inspired by cats?

Denise Laurent

Denise has a prolific collection of cats in oils, mixed media and watercolor. She makes prints and cards from her paintings as well as bags, scarves, pillows and gorgeous brooches. She says, “I have a passion for animals and I love painting them. I enjoy trying to capture their personalities, that quirky essence that makes each one an individual. I am intrigued by the way they interact with the world, each animal has its own unique perspective on life which demands to be captured in paint.” She also supports a number of animal charities in the UK. For a fascinating interview of her inspiration and process, visit Jackson’s Art.

To purchase her art, visit The Painted Cat or her Etsy shop.

Dora Hathazi-Mendes

Dora Hathazi-Mendes paints with bright, vibrant colors, drawing inspiration from organic and geometric forms, as well as the Art Nouveau Movement. Her growing cat-inspired collection is truly unique and eye-catching. Dora graduated at Moholy Nagy University of Art and Design MOME Budapest, Hungary in 2002 as Textile Designer specialized in handwoven textiles. While establishing a family and living abroad in four countries – Romania, Poland, Portugal and Malawi – Dora began to expand her repertoire. “I started to paint again, and to take photographs during the journey about everything I came across while encountering different cultures. My main inspiration was my cat, as well other animals, wildlife, nature, and historical buildings, landscape, and people.” To learn more about Dora, check out my blog: Artist Dora Hathazi Mendes and Her Muse, Rebeka the Cat.

To purchase her art, visit Fine Art America or Zazzle.

Nicole Piar

Nicole has a style of watercolor painting that makes one yearn to enter her magical world. In addition to her numerous watercolors, she recently created a remarkable Spirit Cats Inspiration Deck, offers cat paintings by commission and is working on a children’s book. Nicole received her BA in Art from Yale University and went on to illustrate and design for the gift, paper, home decor, publishing, and apparel sectors for the last 10 years. Her art has graced products sold everywhere from large retailers to small boutiques and museum shops.

To purchase her art, visit Nicole’s website or her Society6 shop.

Raphaël Vavasseur

Inspired by his three cats and his home in Normandy, Raphaël paints unique images using acrylic that somehow combine comic book influences and fantasy elements. Check out these great interviews on Catster and The Conscious Cat. I loved this quote in particular: “For me the cat is a magic creature, so fantasy backgrounds are simply the best framework for the cat subject.” He is truly a talented cat artist. His warm nature comes through in every painting.

To purchase his art, visit his Etsy shop, Ebay page or Society6 shop.

Tascha Parkinson

Tascha is an urban primitive folk artist. Sweet-faced girls, cats, dogs and other colorful images fill her canvases and are sure to bring a smile to your face! She uses a variety of mediums – watercolor, acrylic, among others. She is a Canadian artist who graduated from the Ontario College of Art and Design. Tascha’s been selling her art via the internet since 2001 to collectors all over the world. She also teaches online art classes. For more information about this cat artist, check out her blog.

To purchase her art, visit her Etsy and Society6 shops.

Terry Runyan

Terry’s quirky cats, geometric patterns and pleasing color palettes come together to create a visual delight. A graduate of San Jose State University in Design and Illustration, Terry was recruited by Hallmark in 1986 and just recently retired to pursue her personal work full-time. A few years ago, she began drawing on the side and it grew into the prolific collection now on Society6. For more insights into her process and inspiration, read these interviews on Cat Lady Confidential and Fishink Blog. Although Terry’s work covers many subjects, cats are frequently featured. She says, “My two greatest inspirations are my kitty friends Rylee and Tucker! They spend their days sleeping on my studio table and occasionally sneak their ‘hands’ into my work. They keep me on my toes!”

To purchase her art, visit Terry’s Society6 shop.

Bernadette Kazmarski

Where to begin describing the prolific cat artist Bernadette Kazmarski? Whether you call her a writer, illustrator, photographer, designer, or painter – she is most definitely a cat artist. She says, “I have my cats to thank for being an artist. When, as an adult, I chose to pick up a pencil and paper and put them together, it was because images of my cats kept appearing in my thoughts as pencil drawings and paintings and I decided to draw what I was envisioning.” Be sure to follow her blog, The Creative Cat, which features daily articles and stories of feline health, welfare and adventures plus a daily sketch and a daily photo of her cats literally from the studio.

To purchase her art, visit Bernadette’s website, Portraits of Animals.

Diane Hoeptner

Diane Hoeptner’s cat paintings are ethereal – capturing that inherent feline mystery. I also love the textures and patterns that often appear as the background. Diane has been featured in Modern Cat Magazine, The Artist’s Magazine and Cat Art Show L.A. Many of her subjects are initially photographed at the Cleveland Animal Protective League. She says, “Cats bring personality and movement. I discovered this when I started painting my own cats who are perfect embodiments of sweetness and snark. They are enigmatic little beasts, the kind who never smile.” Check out this lovely interview from the popular blog, And My Cat.

To purchase her art, visit Diane’s blog or Fine Art America.

Cara Imperato is the Kitty Curator. She wanders the world wide web in search of cat-inspired art & handmade goods by indie artists and makers. Whether you’re seeking a unique cat lover gift or a place to share your own kitty creations, join the Kitty Curator community for daily features and curated collections. Subscribe at KittyCurator.com or follow on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.