Boing Boing

Boing Boing

1882 painting captures the chaos of living with cats

Popkin
Jan 21, 2026
∙ Paid

Here’s a painting of a cat completely derailing important paperwork. Painted in 1882 by Frank Paton, the scene captures the exact moment an inkwell tips over, sending ink flooding across what looks like a last will and testament.

The cat has likely just undone someone’s careful legal work during the brief window when its owner stepped away from the desk.…

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Boing Boing.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
Popkin's avatar
A guest post by
Popkin
Boing Boing contributor
Subscribe to Popkin
© 2026 Happy Mutants LLC · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture