Party’s technique in painting cats involves the use of soft pastels, a medium that allows him to create rich, saturated colors and smooth, detailed textures. This medium enhances the lifelike quality of the cats while also giving them a surreal, almost otherworldly presence. His cats are rendered with exaggerated features and playful expressions, capturing the essence of these animals while also imbuing them with a sense of personality and mystery (Artsy) (Ocula).

The symbolism in Party's paintings of cats often draws from a rich art historical background. He references the works of Balthus, a 20th-century painter known for his enigmatic and often unsettling cat portraits. Party’s cats, much like Balthus's, are depicted in serene, almost contemplative poses, suggesting a deeper narrative. This connection to historical art forms is a hallmark of Party’s work, as he frequently blends past influences with modern techniques to create pieces that are both timeless and contemporary (The Skinny).

One notable exhibition featuring Party's cat paintings is "Three Cats" at The Modern Institute in Glasgow. This exhibition showcased a series of works that included cats as central figures, highlighting Party's ability to infuse classical still life and portrait genres with humor and modern sensibilities. The exhibition was well-received for its vibrant use of color and the playful, almost mischievous nature of the depicted cats (The Skinny) (artlead).

Party’s fascination with cats can be seen as part of his broader interest in everyday objects and their artistic potential. By stripping these subjects of extraneous details and focusing on their essential forms, Party transforms them into iconic representations that challenge viewers to reconsider the mundane. This approach aligns with his overall artistic philosophy of exploring the power of color, composition, and medium to transform simple subjects into profound works of art (artlead) (Ocula) .