Hairy and Confused

Ronald Searle’s irresistible cat portraits show many signs of human traits and weaknesses. With exuberant lines and loose brush strokes, Searl created a series of feline caricatures that is very funny and impressively expressive, matched by his tipically humorous titles. These illustrations come from the first 1967 edition of the book. 

Inefficient cat captured by an astute goldfish

An exceptionally barren cat trying to hatch an infertile egg

Exhibitionist cat trying out certain effects

Two cats discover that love is a many-splendoured thing

Cat of a thousand disguises concealing itself as a rug

Two cats quite calmly making beasts of themselves

Exhausted Persian cat contemplating the advantages of monogamy

Gluttonous right-wing cat attempting to digest the left ing of a chicken

Remarkably hairy cat faced with the problem of dandruff

Acrobatic cat discovering quite unexpectedly that it is too old for the game

Balding cat walking out in an unsuitable wig

Young cat already regretting puberty

By the way, mr. Searle turned 90 last March, and he is still very sharp and active at work. Go here to watch his first television interview in 35 years.