Nurse Whiskers - American Red Cross - Paper Cat Mask (1950s)

This charming and unusual vintage paper mask features a wide-eyed tabby cat dressed as a nurse, complete with the iconic Red Cross emblem on her cap. Distributed in the 1950s, it was part of a broader effort by the American Red Cross to make health and safety campaigns more engaging for children. Masks like this were often handed out at schools, fairs, or community health drives, turning otherwise serious campaigns into something memorable, fun, and collectible.

The anthropomorphic design of “Nurse Whiskers” captures the mid-century style of illustration: bright, appealing, and slightly whimsical, meant to ease children’s anxieties around medical care while reinforcing the trusted Red Cross brand. Surviving examples are scarce today, as these masks were typically discarded after play, making this an appealing crossover collectible for fans of vintage advertising, Red Cross memorabilia, and anthropomorphic character design.

Measures approx. 8 ½ inches by 11 inches.