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When thinking of cats, we always imagine their quirky personalities and cute appearance. However, as the author of these surreal cat collages pointed out, "we often overlook the fact that they are apex predators". If cats were bigger, our perception might be a bit different.

Inspired by this idea, Matt McCarthy decided to experiment with enlarging cats and creating an uncanny surrealism. As Matt stated previously, "I want to create images that feel very familiar to the viewer but are slightly off."

In addition to magnifying the cats in size, he also uses their personalities as surrogates for human emotions, including anxiety, pettiness, and stubbornness.

More info: Instagram | mrmattmccarthy.com | Etsy

#1

Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

MrMattMcCarthy Report

Why?
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hurricane Catrina.

Saturn The Furry S/T
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

More like hurricane paw-tilla! (I had to guys, I’m sorry)

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Terry Tobias
Community Member
2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So that's the cat who's been knocking everything off of the world!

Bored Panda reached out to Matt to get updates on him and his artwork.

First of all, we were curious to learn whether there were any changes in Matt’s creative process. He shared: “My creative process is largely the same since the last post on Bored Panda, but I am trying to expand my horizons. I've dabbled in video work over the past year and hope to explore that more in the future. I've also begun adapting some of my digital collages back into analog hand-cut paper collages that have texture and depth.”

“It feels like coming full circle as I began in paper collage, moved to digital to help bring my giant cat creations to life, and am now turning them back into paper. I enjoy seeing my pieces (which are usually two-dimensional on a screen or piece of paper) in a more three-dimensional and tactile way.”

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    #2

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Mombo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ah, yes…cat fur everywhere…sigh

    Mary Peace
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's the last time I buy a new roof. If Tiggy considers that her cat flap, who am I to argue?

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    #3

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Demongrrrrl
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Everyone is there to watch the changing of the (litter) box.

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So, trying to outdo Number 10, are we?

    Hokuloa
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Clearly they’ve all gathered to witness the glory of Prince Fluffington

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    Amy Beckler
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And So. I Received the Adulation of the Masses.

    JM
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “Thank you. Thank you very much.” (Elvis voice)

    Mary Peace
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Always knew cats were/are royalty. This one's just bigger.

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    Since AI is here to stay, we were curious how it affects artists like Matt, who rely on digital artistry. Matt shared: “AI has definitely changed the landscape of digital art, and while I still prefer to do most of my artwork without the use of AI, I have found it very useful for some elements not directly related to collage. For instance, the Photoshop AI tools are great at expanding an image. If I have a background image that's too narrow I'm able to use their AI to change the dimensions and generate the missing pieces. It still requires plenty of effort to make it match the rest of my composition, but overall it saves me time and opens up different avenues of creation I wouldn't have gone down before.”

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    #5

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Troy Parr
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I for one welcome our new cat overlords.

    Hokuloa
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This reminds me of the old Charles Addams single cell cartoons (the ones that later became the Addams Family) .

    Ann McNeil
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just got "Ghostbuster 2" vibes .....

    Isaac Harvey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Warped blep- or should I say “belp”?

    Nice Beast Ludo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well that's terrifying. I just remembered I dreamed I had a giant cheetah for a pet that turned into a lion and I loved it so much but was so afraid of him

    Auntie Panda
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Last thing the poor mouse will see.

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    When looking through Matt’s webpage, you will come across a wide array of fun products with his photos. We were curious to know what collaboration was the most interesting for him.

    “I license my artwork to companies for use on products in addition to creating my own products for sale. The most interesting part for me is seeing what resonates with other creatives and what they think will generate sales for their specific audience. I find all collaborations interesting, but I especially love ones from overseas companies (I have greeting cards and calendars in the UK and German markets respectively) because it allows me to connect and share my work with fans and cat lovers across the world in a way I often can't based on my location,” wrote Matt.

    #6

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Terry Tobias
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I want to tickle that belly!

    Mary Peace
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Please warn me first cos I don't wanna be in the line of fire!

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    Ozymandias73
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Boop that nose and get them toes!

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    #7

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Rae Ramirez
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This looks just like my baby!! And it’s pretty much taking up the same amount of room that my cat does on the bed!

    Nannychachi
    Community Member
    Premium
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My orange tabby is laying against my back at this moment in my bed. Olive looks just like the cat in the picture.

    Spittnimage
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ouch! Lotsa toothpicks poking kitty.

    We also asked Matt to share what he would like for people to take away from his work.

    “I hope my work helps people view the world through a different lens. I want my work to be an escape from reality and a brief respite from the world around us. I also hope that my work makes people reconsider the cats in their lives or the ones they might interact with out in the world. Cats are incredible creatures that have been connected to and inspired humans for millennia. They're beautiful, graceful, wise, and deserve to be honored as the gods we've viewed them as in the past,” answered Matt.

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    #9

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Terry Tobias
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The reflection of the fire in her eyes is a nice touch!

    Isaac Harvey
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They’re about to tell a campfire horror story.

    SobyKay
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are You Afraid of the Cat?

    And lastly, he added: “I'd love to share that I have some exciting new projects and products coming just in time for the holidays, including the new 2024 edition of my bestselling Lazy Cats calendar. This year's calendar is extra special because I've created some pieces exclusively for it (including one with my own senior black cat Atticus) and designed some stickers and postcards that are only available if you buy a calendar. They make great gifts for cat lovers and are sure to put a smile on your face all through next year. Readers can pick them up in my Etsy shop.”

    #10

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Someone is about to get the zoomies

    Charlotte Andrus
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think you mean "catastrophe". lol

    Mary Peace
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Guessing that was the joke Charlotte: leave 'cat' out because the cat is hiding. I got it from reading some comments.

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    #11

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Princeofdarkness
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I miss you Chloe. My old cat looked like this

    JM
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Upvote brown tabby (but watch out for the tail!)

    Moosy Girl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those people near the rainbow parasol are not going to be happy campers when that cat inevitably farts.

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    #12

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Mary Peace
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The humans look very relaxed, considering the monster has awoken and emerged from its lair.

    okpkpkp
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Kew! I had a black cat named Kew. Or Q.

    Holly Herr
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The very least of the problems in this situation!😁

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    #13

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Anička
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ok but what city is this? Those buildings are beautiful!

    Losstar
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That cat is a national monument and must be protected at all costs!

    JM
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Watch out for the tail, hoomans!

    Nice Beast Ludo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This cat would be batting away the humans and eating us

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    #14

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Might not be too far drop the truth if that’s a Maine Co on Cat and a very small kid. (I can hear the BP censors going “Curses, foiled again!”)

    River wolf (she/her)
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait what does BP censor c**n? Edit: Apparently yes.

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    Wendy O'Shea
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My cat Remy is a Maine C**n. The first time I brought him to the vet and pulled him out of the carrier, the tech was watching, his length covered most of my body and he is FLUFFY. The tech looks ar me and says "that is a big cat." He is only about 15 pounds but long and large.

    tee-lena
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    We rescued a kitten from some meth heads about 28 years ago. She was like 2weeks old and they took her from her mom. My mom talked them into giving us the kitten. We bottle fed her so well she turned into a 20lb cat! Not fat mind you, just very,very large.A huge tuxedo cat who stayed feral her whole life except for loving 3people. Me and two elders who lived with and by me. Her purrs could be heard across the house. She lived for 20 years!

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    JM
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “*sigh* alright Lucy, if you Insist on carrying me, fine. But this is the very last show and tell I’m going to.”

    Lyone Fein
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This also seems pretty normal.

    Transylvalleygirl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My cat is twenty pounds of muscle and fur, and sometimes I feel like this when I carry him.

    Eric Forster
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Life with my Twenty Pounds of Tabby.

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    #17

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Losstar
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I knew that cats were too good for us! They came from another planet!

    martymcmatrix
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, in that case, I'm not afraid of the first contact...it's gonna be a lot of fun!

    R1MV4Superleggera
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Now we know what happened to the Aztecs

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "We built the pyramides"

    Oskar vanZandt
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I knew it! Cats are the original alien overlords!

    Cj Churchall-McKenzie
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    in a second that cat is going to be swiping at those saucers

    #18

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

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    #19

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Kathryn Baylis
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Bet you the dyed in the wool New Yorkers wouldn’t even notice. Or if they did, all they’d say is “Meh”.

    Mombo
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    His face looks like he’s a dyed in the wool New Yorker. No eye contact, just keep walking!

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    The Original Bruno
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can just hear "Love is strong, oh, you're so sweet!"

    robin miller
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am looking for the one named 'Donald' . . .

    Ashlisha
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But cat didn't knock a single thing!

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    #20

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    April Pickett
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WHAT are yu doing in my water bowl?

    JM
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “I see you decided to come back, Janice.”

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    #23

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Holly Herr
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Well, this gives me the chills!

    R1MV4Superleggera
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Definitely is about to commit the perfect crime

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    #24

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    #1 Candevil Fan
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's about to just be Ho×_=×|•¡wood by the look in that's cats eyes, he's about to break of the lly.

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    #25

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    WindySwede
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Don't show to flerfs /jk :)

    #26

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    JM
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    “Donna, you know I don’t like jumping. The humans get between my toes.”

    #27

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report

    Hokuloa
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What happens whenever the food bowl is half full but “empty.” Cat-astrophy!

    okpkpkp
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My cat in the litter box...

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    #29

    Artist Creates A Parallel World Where There Are Giant Cats Everywhere — And Everyone Thinks It's Normal (New Pics)

    MrMattMcCarthy Report