i dont believe theres such a thing as enough cats. ones living situation may dictate that some amount is too much, but it always manages to fall far short of enough.
this post was submitted on 07 Sep 2026
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Real question: what did people feed cats in that day, before kibble? Constant stream of chicken and fish?
Probably that, but also rodents like mice and rats were a lot more prevalent back then so cats were a kind of pest control.
Peasant.
Your question made me research it a bit for fun. I know I'm a bit late but here:
At first:
Prior to feline domestication, cats hunted small animals like birds and rodents, and before processed kitty food, they were given food scraps and kept humans free of pests. Only when people stopped regularly storing and growing their own food did commercial cat food became available.
Then in 1880s London rotting or diseased food was given out as cat food.
And eventually kibble came about slowly throughout the 1900s. And eventually regulated by the FDA in the US because it could be emergency food in times of need.
You telling me I can eat my cat's food in times of need? I don't think he'd forgive me if he saw me do that.
You can clearly see the economy back then was much better, as I can only financially support just 3 cats.
You underestimate the amount of freeroam rats available during that time
Oh they didn't buy Royal Canin Dental because the vet adviced that or similar brands which for 3 cats is more expensive food monthly than for myself? After I spent 1400 euros on chips, vaccinations and sterelisation. Meh do I wish I was a rich aristocrat (oh wait what am I saying, I do not lol)
With that dress in 1890, it seems she had the wherewithal and independence to have all the cats she wanted.
Kate Birdsall Roberts had her beat, though. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Wife%27s_Lovers (I went looking and the only pictures I could find of Kate show her much more simply dressed than OP's cat lady.)
Time is a flat circle.
I could get myself killed trying to get my 3 cats together for a family photo.
Not a lie if the cats are the ones saying it though.
I'm no expert, but my gut feeling tells me she liked cats.
My landlord thinks I have one cat.
She looks part native or Asian.
But that corset dress, oof! I cant breath just looking at her.
Everybody’s native somewhere.
Very much so! My husband is.