You’re going to think I’ve lost my mind. But since I’m told the internet is made of cats…I couldn’t resist this one. Whatever you want to say about pet photos (I’m usually on the front lines of vigorous head-shaking when it comes to this well-known and over-saturated genre) this series of “cat photos” stopped me in my tracks.

Far from a run-of-the-mill pet gallery, these are poignant images, deeply textured and as much about life in rural Japan and aging as the adorable relationship between a white cat and elderly woman. Photographer Miyoko Ihara starting taking photos of her 88-year old grandmother and her feline companion, Fukumaru, more than a decade ago. The work is now in a photo book Misao the Big Mama and Fukumaru the Cat. As I’m sure anyone who has loved a pet can attest to, there is more than meets the eye to our relationships with our animal friends. This book of photos depicts an undeniably special connection between Misa and Fukumaru and does a wonderful job of demonstrating that powerful connection of between pets and their humans.

See below for my favorites and check out the book for the full collection.

All Photos: Miyoko Ihara