Curiosity Thrilled the Collector

Looking back in history, the cat held Godlike status in ancient Egypt. Much later, during the witch hunt era, they were believed to be minions of the devil.

Now the handsome creatures seem to hover somewhere between mystery and admiration delighting caboodles of collectors.

Perhaps so many people enjoy collecting cat items because of a natural curiosity akin to their feline friends.

After all, cats adorn everything from contemporary figurines all the way back to Victorian trade cards, the predecessor of the modern business card, so it's always fun to see what's going to turn up next.

Finding something you love in the antiques world related to cats can lead you to fine art or take the form of a simple postcard. Items amass in all price ranges and almost every collecting category from ethnic collectibles to vintage comics and folk art.

A side benefit to expressing an interest in cat items comes with the gifts you may receive from loving family members and friends.

A collection of older cat miniature figurines can warm up most any bare shelf or windowsill, while a framed birthday or Christmas postcard can turn an ordinary item into an exordinary keepsake. A simple lapel dressed with antique scatter pins depicting the feline form adds interest to a wardrobe and creates cherished memories... just a few gift ideas to please a cat lover that won't break the bank.

Honestly, I never set out to be a cat collector at all but I'm not going to complain. Between the things that I bought while out shopping and the wonderful gifts I've received over the years, it just kind of happened.

From what I can tell, this isn't uncommon. People tend to be drawn to things they like in decor and collecting. Since so many people enjoy owning the purring pets, the go-with items just tend to accumulate before you even realize it.

For more information on cat collectibles including lots of fun pictures, try locating Collectible Cats Books I & II by Marbena Jean Fyke published by Collector Books. For a historical overview and everything from fine art on down, look up Purrrfection: The Cat by J.L. Lynnlee from Schiffer Publishing.

Kitty Cucumber figurine photo by Pam Wiggins.

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