Interview

By now, Bored Panda readers like you should be well acquainted with the nostalgic photo archives of Portuguese journalist Paula Leite Moreira. Over the years, her vintage collections have captured everything from everyday family life to moments with animals, with cats often taking the spotlight. This time, we’re focusing on a theme that feels especially touching: the connection between children and their feline companions.

We looked through Paula’s carefully curated Instagram feed and found a beautiful collection of photos showing kids and cats from decades past. Some are funny, others are full of quiet emotion, yet all of them show how special the bond between a child and their pet can be.

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“These images were frequently made for postcards,” Paula explains to Bored Panda, referring to some of the earliest photos in her collection. “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.”

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That raw, unfiltered joy still shines through in these images—even if our relationship with cat content has evolved dramatically in the digital age.

“I believe that in the previous century, they were also loved by their owners,” Paula says. “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.”

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When asked about the most surprising photo she’s come across in her vintage cat hunt, Paula immediately recalls one that stands out. “Definitely a photo of a kitten ‘hidden’ in the so-called ‘longest beard in the world’ of a Frenchman named Louis Coulo.”

Beyond the charm of these old photographs, Paula’s research has uncovered fascinating historical tidbits—like how cats played key roles aboard ships during wartime.

“They were highly sought after and pampered on large vessels, especially during periods of war,” she shares. “The main function was to fight rats, but they ended up being an escape valve for the sailors, a little bit of love in the midst of so much tension.”

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As for the future of All Vintage Cats, Paula says she’s been toying with the idea of a book or a retro-inspired fashion production. “But for now,” she adds, “the page is just a hobby.” Hobby or not, her work continues to remind us of something essential: whether it’s today or 100 years ago, the connection between humans and animals, especially between a child and their cat, is a bond that transcends time.

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