All cat owners take way too many photos of their feline friends; that’s a fact of life. Consult my own camera roll for evidence if you must. But usually these photos are just varying representations of the cat curled up in a funny sleeping position, or sitting on the windowsill. There may also be the occasional video of the kitty staring at nothing or chasing shadows.
It’s also fairly common knowledge that cats only allow us to pet them -- if they don’t want to be touched, they will not be touched. Simple as that. Cats are less of a pet and more of a roommate who actually runs the house and has to decide every day whether they actually like you or not.
But Jan’s cats are something else, especially Leo (short for Leonidas, because obviously). Jan, a 25-year-old hobby photographer from Chicago, is making her Maine Coon Instagram famous by getting him all dolled up in flower crowns worthy of both Beyoncé and Coachella. Like, Vanessa Hudgens probably wore these crowns.
While Jan’s Instagram account started as a way to showcase her photography, it quickly became obvious which of her subjects were the most fascinating.
“I had seen quite a few photos of dogs wearing stunning flower crowns, but never any cats. So I thought: why not?” she told POPSUGAR. “Since then, we've been sure to post Leo wearing flower crowns more often, as our fans seem to love it.”
My cat is also named Leo and I would give you a million dollars if you could make him sit for photos like these.
“Leo is a very laid-back cat, so he is the easiest to photograph when accessories are involved. My oldest cat, Lucy, is very reserved and avoids the camera,” Jan said. “However, when I do manage to get a shot, she always ends up looking like a queen.”
Leo the Coachella queen’s Instagram bio reads, “better dressed than you” and TBH, I’m not in a position to dispute that fact.
“I absolutely adore my pets and wanted a way to document their growth, which is what inspired me to pick up the camera,” Jan said. “It wasn't long before I realized how photogenic cats are. Eventually I decided to share my photos on Instagram and was pleasantly surprised to see others enjoying my photos as well.”
Jan, the gem she must be, also has a series of photographs of the kitties in bowties.
We can only be grateful.