With the emergence of photography in the 1840s, Americans soon turned to this new medium to record themselves and those things important in their lives. Often joining them in the studio were their pets of every size and description. Cats were beloved companions of 19th century Victorians just as they are today, and they are sometimes found in these studio portraits as well. Because of their independent nature, they made difficult subjects for the portrait photographer who needed sitters to remain still during the lengthy exposure of the light sensitve plates. Consequently, images of cats in daguerreotypes and ambrotypes are particularly rare, and their appearance in later formats are uncommon. So enjoy this selection of "catographics" from the past and let us know what you think.