The Original Cat Lady

This lady takes the term “cat lady” to a whole other level. This 1899 photo shows a young woman posing in a cage with her crew of lions. She’s dressed in her circus costume with elaborate makeup and hair. She fearlessly looks into the camera without a worry in the world. It’s not a big deal that she’s sitting next to three of the most intimidating wild animals on the planet!

These gorgeous lions look like they’re posing for the camera right alongside their ring leader. The one on the left even looks like she’s smiling a little bit. We can’t help but think that this photo looks like an odd family portrait. Although most circus animals experienced less-than-stellar living conditions back in the 1800s, we get the feeling that this woman truly cares about her circus costars.