Rarely does a day go by when we’re not entertained by a meme, image, or the actual, real-life presence of a cat that seems to wholeheartedly believe that whatever mischief their allocated human is up to could only be improved upon through feline collaboration. Whether they’re helping to make the bed, offering their skills as taste-testers in the kitchen, or casually draping themselves across our books and keyboard in the office, cats like to be part of the action. You might think that the feline predilection for invading human space, hobbies, and workplaces is a recent reflection of how their roles have evolved from that of outdoor rodent controller to highly regarded family member, however, a recent exhibition at The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore MD shows us that cats have been leaving their mark, both figuratively and literally, in places of great importance, for centuries.

The first of several animal-themed exhibits to open at the Walters over the coming year, Paws on Parchment is a tribute to the way in which cats have become inextricably bound to the lives of humans over the years. The domestication of the cat evolved out of mutual appreciation; we for their ability to keep populations of disease-spreading vermin under control, and they for our ability to provide heating and warmth. For many years, this relationship remained largely unchanged, except in cultures enlightened enough to revere these magnificent creatures as superior beings and gods. Whilst cats were undoubtedly loved and cherished throughout the ages, the cultural evolution of humans combined with the improvement in hygiene and parasite prevention has seen them take up a priority position in households worldwide, with thousands, if not millions, of websites, fan clubs, associations, and publications devoted entirely to the celebration of all things feline.

The Paws on Parchment exhibit showcases how the antics of cats were being memorialized and honored in the margins of medieval manuscripts, with works that tell us how medieval people thought about, interacted with, and admired cats. Long before there were memes and cheezburgers, people were sharing stories and images of their feline friends, and the appearance of pawprints across a 15th century Flemish manuscript tells us that the quintessential “keyboard cat” has been around much longer than the keyboards themselves!

“Cats filled many important roles in the medieval era,” said Lynley Anne Herbert, Curator of Rare Books and Manuscripts. “Like today, some cats were considered beloved pets whose behavior amused and exasperated their owners. However, felines also served an important function as hunters that protected valuable books and textiles, food stores, and even people from disease-carrying rodents and other vermin. Cats could also carry symbolic and moral meaning in this period, which is reflected in the manuscripts we will have on view.”

The Paws on Parchment exhibit is open now and will be coming to a close on February 22nd, 2026. Admission to the museum is free.

VISITOR INFORMATION

The Walters Art Museum is located at 600 N. Charles St., north of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. For general museum information, call 410-547-9000 or visit thewalters.org.

Free admission to the Walters Art Museum is made possible through the combined generosity of individual members and donors, foundations, corporations, and grants from the City of Baltimore, Maryland State Arts Council, Citizens of Baltimore County, Howard County Government, and Howard County Arts Council.

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