Stereotypes often label artists as quirky. In many cases, that applies to their choice of pets too. Read on to learn about four artists and their weird animal kingdom companions—many of which inspired, or are featured in, famous artworks!

An ocelot named Babou

Dalí brought his ocelot, a South American wildcat, everywhere. Once in a New York City restaurant, Babou startled a fellow customer. Dalí playfully explained that Babou was nothing more than a regular house cat that he’d painted to look like a leopard!

Monkeys and parrots and deer, oh my!

Kahlo spent much of her life confined to her bed, struggling with her health. She loved animals and, since she was often unable to go out, she filled her home with animal friends. Many of them appear in her paintings. Her favorites included spider monkey Fulang Chang, Mexican hairless dog Señor Xolotl, parrot Bonito, eagle Gertrudis Caca Blanca, and fawn Granizo.

Cats . . . a lot of them

In the 1950s, American pop artist Warhol and his mother had 25 cats: One was named Hester, and the rest were all named Sam. In 1954, the mother-son team published a book of Warhol’s drawings of the cats, accompanied by his mother’s calligraphy.

A dog named Lump

Lump originally belonged to one of Picasso’s friends. When the two met, it was clear Lump’s heart belonged to Picasso. The artist adopted Lump, and their relationship was often described as a love affair. Lump died in 1973, just one week before Picasso.