Of course it’s a reference to Lackadaisy! Like the best graphic story about cats in the 1920’s. If -for some reason- you haven’t check them out, go and read it! It’s pretty much perfect.
And Lewis is a character that was created waaay back in 2016, and finally got the chance to introduce him. Here’s his original design (and name)
Finally, shout out to my brother who gave me the idea for the “tell it in a different era” joke. Thanks!