Every cat is a work of art, especially when they’re lying splayed-out on your bed in their “paint me like one of your French girls” pose. Every cat-lover knows this to be true. As an artist myself, I am not immune to the allure of the feline figure, embodying my own precious feline, Marzipan, as the “Meowna Lisa”.

But there’s one artist who took this concept and ran with it. And I mean really, really ran with it – and it’s no wonder why. Her beloved kitty, Zarathustra, is an absolute unit, and sight to behold! But Zarathustra isn’t your ordinary model  No, his prowess as a muse is not to be squandered on such paltry mediums as selfies and Snapchats. This boy deserves to be rendered only through the eyes of true masters by being painted into famous masterpieces from around the world.

Classical Cat

Our story begins with a woman named Svetlana Petrova, Zarathustra’s mom. Petrova inherited the sublime orange feline after her mother passed away, and quickly noticed the cat’s knack for executing exquisite poses worthy of being painted by the greats. With her background in the arts (fashion, theater, and animation, among others), Petrova thought it proper – nay, necessary – to share this playful kitty’s personality with the world in a special, whimsical, and unique way; by adding her precious boy to famous works of art!

Like my “Meowna Lisa”, Petrova was similarly inspired by the Da Vinci masterpiece. She superimposed Zarathustra’s chunky, cheeky little self into the Mona Lisa’s arms, calling it Mona Lisa, True Version. But oh, it doesn’t stop there! Are you a fan of Greek myths? Good news, because they just got better. The Abduction of Psyche and The Fat Cat will prove to be chicken soup for your Greek-loving, kitty-obsessed soul that you never knew you needed. Do you prefer your art in the style of Impressionism? Classical? Renaissance? Surrealism? Fear not! The prolific wonder that is Zarathustra has lent his talents as an inspiration to just about every era in all of art history!

From Model To Actor

Okay, so by now you must’ve already covered your walls from ceiling to floor with posters of Zarathustra. Or at the very least, you’ve filled up your online shopping cart with a small fortune in stretched canvas prints of Two Fridas And One Cat. What’s a cat-lover to do after she’s consumed all the Zarathustra art there is?

It’s no secret that many famous actors got their start in the modeling industry. Well, I am pleased to inform you that our beloved Zarathustra has followed in the same track. In his debut as a big time actor, Zarathustra performs I Wanna Be Loved By You in Some Like It Hot. Give that good boy his Academy Award!

In His Own Words

So, what does the world’s most famous fine art model have to say for himself?. Lo, our savior speaks: “Our name is Zarathustra. We are a cat. According to our assistant (named by ignoramuses as our “owner”) We are the best cat in the world.” Indeed, according to his website, Zarathustra says, “Our main passion is to sit for the great artists. Only great artists can appreciate our generous body and sublime soul.” And truer words haven’t been spoken since.

Of course, I was curious to learn more about our esteemed superstar, so I decided to send his mom an email. To my absolute delight, the great Zarathustra saw it fit to humor me. How lucky! As such, I am pleased to present to you, dear readers, my exclusive interview with the world’s most painted cat!

How do you come up with such wonderful poses?

“I love posing, I am natural born actor and the camera likes me. I have a special place for work as a model, in my apartment there is a podium covered by big carpet, it looks like stage. When I have an inspiration, I call for my mom with her camera, and we begin to work. Sometimes my mom organizes a big professional photo and video session, assisted by other humans. I love my team, it could be so entertaining: they tease me with funny toys and we play different scenes. I love professional lights, they are so warm. As a professional, I have my fee: I take 3-4 king prawns for the session.”

When did you first start modeling, and when did your mom notice your amazing talent as a model?

“I started my career when my mom adopted me. I was her mother’s cat, and we lost her mother in 2008. We shared the grief together, and found consolation in making art. I made funny poses to entertain my new mom, and she noticed my efforts, and we began to work together. She says I saved her from depression after the loss of her mother.”

Lastly and perhaps most importantly, what is your favorite food?

“I am very modest in my wishes; I’m on diet and eat vet prescribed diet food, trying to lose my weight. If I want a treat, I prefer only healthy treats, as raw beef and king prawns. King prawns are my favorite food, but of course not more than 3-4 prawns per week.”

So, what do you think? Would you like to keep in touch with the King of Cat Art? Luckily our boy is as tech-savvy as he is photogenic. You can keep up with the big Z and his phenomenal feline physique by following him on Instagram and Facebook alike, so you can check in to stay up-to-date with all of his latest masterpieces.

Hungry for more? Our masterful art model isn’t just a pretty face, but a literary genius as well! In Fat Cat Art, Zarathustra provides us with an in-depth look at some of his most famous works with a critical cat eye. From model, to actor, to author, Zarathustra is a force to be reckoned with, and an absolute blessing to the art world!