In the 1930s, the term "cat lady" referred to older women who lived alone and kept multiple cats as companions. In an era when societal expectations often placed pressure on women to Woman in dress with cat (England c. 1900 1910) : r pics Vintage World of Gifts Imports Teapot Cat Lady with Pink Dress, Smiling (SE T 1) eBay Pounce! Black Cat Tea Dress Size 18 only Happy National Cat Lady Day! Here at PANB, we have plenty of historic cat photos to celebrate. Remember: being a cat lady has no gender, just a love for our furry friends!