Top 5 New Yorker Cat Cartoons: A Quick Review

What’s better than a sharp wit paired with a fluffy feline? For decades, The New Yorker magazine has delivered just that through its iconic cat cartoons. These little gems capture the strange, funny, and sometimes slightly aloof nature of our favorite housemates perfectly.

But let’s be honest: browsing through the archives can feel overwhelming. Do you pick the one where the cat is judging the human, or the one where the cat is demanding gourmet food? If you’ve ever felt lost trying to find the absolute best, most relatable cat cartoon to share, print, or just enjoy, you are not alone. The sheer volume of brilliant options makes narrowing it down a real challenge.

This post cuts through the clutter. We will explore the history, highlight the most beloved artists, and reveal the secret ingredients that make these cartoons timelessly hilarious. Get ready to discover your next favorite piece of cat commentary.

The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for New Yorker Cat Cartoons

New Yorker cat cartoons are famous. They bring a smile to your face. They often show cats in funny, smart situations. If you want to buy one, this guide helps you choose the best art.

Key Features to Look For

What makes a great New Yorker cat cartoon? Look closely at these things:

The Artist’s Style: Many famous artists have drawn for The New Yorker. Do you like the simple, clean lines of one artist, or the more detailed drawings of another? Look up the artist’s name if you can find it.
The Caption: The words matter almost as much as the picture! A great caption is witty, short, and perfectly matches the drawing. It should make you laugh or think.
The Subject Matter: Does the cartoon show your favorite type of cat scenario? Maybe it’s a cat bossing around its owner, or a cat having a philosophical moment. Pick a theme you enjoy.
Originality vs. Print: Are you buying a signed original drawing, or a high-quality print? Originals cost much more but are truly unique. Prints are affordable ways to enjoy the art.

Important Materials and Quality

The materials used affect how long your cartoon lasts and how good it looks.

Paper Quality (For Prints): Good prints use thick, archival paper. This means the paper will not turn yellow or crumble over time. Thin, flimsy paper means lower quality.
Ink Quality: High-quality prints use fade-resistant ink. Cheap ink fades quickly, especially if the cartoon hangs in sunlight.
Framing (If Applicable): If you buy a framed piece, check the glass. Museum glass or UV-protectant glass is better than regular glass because it blocks harmful sun rays.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Some things make a cartoon better, and others make it worse. You want to look for the good stuff!

What Improves Quality:

Artist Signature: A clear, original signature from the cartoonist significantly boosts value and quality.
Provenance: This means knowing the history of the piece—where it came from. Clear history means trust.
Condition: For older pieces, look for no tears, stains, or creases. Perfect condition is always best.

What Reduces Quality:

Water Damage: Any sign of dampness or warping on the paper lowers the quality immediately.
Fading: If the colors look dull or washed out, sunlight has damaged the ink.
Poor Reproduction: If you buy a print, a low-resolution scan looks blurry when you see it up close.

User Experience and Use Cases

How will you use your New Yorker cat cartoon?

Home Decor: Most people buy these to decorate their living rooms, offices, or even bathrooms. They make excellent conversation starters. A small, framed print looks great on a desk.
Gifts: These cartoons make wonderful, thoughtful gifts for cat lovers or people who enjoy sophisticated humor.
Collecting: Serious collectors focus on specific artists or cartoon eras. They often store their pieces carefully in acid-free sleeves.

The experience of owning one is simple: you look at it, and you smile. The humor is generally gentle and smart, making it suitable for almost any audience.

New Yorker Cat Cartoons: 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Where can I buy authentic New Yorker cat cartoons?

A: You can buy them from The New Yorker’s official store, reputable art dealers, or sometimes at estate sales. Be careful on general online marketplaces.

Q: How do I know if a print is high quality?

A: High-quality prints usually mention the printing method (like Giclée) and the type of thick, acid-free paper used in the description.

Q: Are original cartoons very expensive?

A: Yes, original drawings by famous New Yorker artists can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, depending on the artist and the cartoon’s fame.

Q: Should I frame the cartoon myself?

A: If you are not experienced, it is best to use a professional framer. They use materials that protect the paper from damage over time.

Q: Do all New Yorker cat cartoons have captions?

A: Almost all single-panel New Yorker cartoons feature a caption underneath the drawing. That is a signature part of their style.

Q: How should I clean a dusty cartoon print?

A: Never wipe the surface directly. If it is framed, open the frame and gently use a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a can of compressed air (used carefully) to remove dust.

Q: What is the difference between a print and a reproduction?

A: A print is often a limited edition run made specifically for sale. A reproduction is usually a cheap copy made without the artist’s direct involvement.

Q: Can these cartoons be hung in a sunny room?

A: It is strongly discouraged. Sunlight causes colors to fade very quickly, even with UV-protected glass. Choose a wall away from direct sun.

Q: What are some famous artists known for cat cartoons?

A: Artists like Charles Barsotti, Roz Chast, and Michael Crawford have all drawn popular cat cartoons. Searching their names helps you find styles you like.

Q: How should I store a cartoon I am not displaying?

A: Store it flat, between two pieces of acid-free cardboard, in a cool, dry place away from heat sources or moisture. Do not roll it up.

Top New Yorker Cat Cartoons Recommendations