'Cat lady: An old woman who usually lives secluded from society with her hundreds of cats. Because she is forced to use all of her social security money on her cats, she eats only cat food and drinks only milk.'

This, according to the ever-charming Urban Dictionary, is the definition of a 'cat lady', two words that strike fear into the heart of any woman who commits the crime of getting a feline pet. Women with cats are washed-up oddballs who smell of stale cigarettes and tuna, thinks the world. Well, not according to our research.

As long as there have been (a) adorable kittens, (b) cameras and (c) glittering Hollywood starlets, there have been photos of amazing women with their feline companions. A stylish woman and a sleek cat go together like lipstick and sunglasses – an unbeatably chic and insouciant combination. If it's good enough for Elizabeth Taylor, Lauren Bacall, Marianne Faithfull and the triumphantly fabulous Dolly Parton, it's definitely good enough for us.

Click through the gallery and help us redefine the term 'cat lady', which will henceforth be a byword for 'an independent-minded, adventurous woman who seeks a similarly freewheeling pet for stroking, photo opportunities, and wonderful evenings spent with a book and a martini.'

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