You Think Your Cat Hates Pet Clothes? How to Turn a “Nay” into a “Yay”!

August 15, 2025June 13, 2026 / Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

Hello, everyone!

I hope you’re doing well!

Today I want to talk about something I get asked all the time: “What if my cat hates wearing clothes?” Even before the sweater arrives, a lot of customers ask me how to make sure their cat will actually tolerate it, let alone like it. And honestly? I get it — I’d also be wondering whether I want to spend my hard-earned money on something that might end up being a flop because my cat said, “No, no way, not in this or any of my other 8 lifetimes”.

We’ve all seen it — the cat goes stiff like a board, dramatically flops over, or does that weird “drunk walk” the second you put a sweater on them. My own cat Beliza (rest in peace, sweetheart!), who later happily modeled her own knitwear, acted the first time like she’d been personally betrayed by a piece of yarn and a pair of knitting needles. 😄 So how did she go from hating clothes to actually enjoying them?

Let’s talk about it.

Understanding Why Cats React the Way They Do

If your cat flops over like a fainting goat the moment you dress them, don’t panic — this is incredibly common! A lot of cats freeze, crouch low, or even walk sideways the first time they’re in clothes. Not because they hate you, or the sweater, but because the feeling is just… new, weird, different. And cats are not big fans of “new” as their routines are sacred to them.

This kind of reaction is sometimes called a “defensive freeze” — basically the cat’s instinct kicking in because something has suddenly changed about how their body feels or moves. Cats are very tuned in to their own balance and to anything touching their fur (or skin in case of Sphynx cats) in an unusual way, so a sweater can throw that off at first.

Think of it like putting on a wetsuit for the first time — it’s not painful, just really, really weird. With short, positive sessions (treats help a lot here!), most cats figure out pretty quickly that they can still move just fine, and the sweater starts to feel normal — and later, even cozy and comforting.

So how do you go from kitty fashion flop to “meow-del”? Here are a few things that have actually worked over the years for me and my customers.

Treats, Treats, Treats

Treats are your secret weapon, and you’re the one holding them. Cats respond to positive reinforcement just as much as dogs do — so when you’re putting on or taking off the sweater, pair it with some affection and their favorite snack. You want your cat to start thinking “oh, this thing again? Great, that means good stuff happens.” This works especially well with cats, who are very food-motivated!

(A quick side note: why don’t vet clinics keep cat treats on hand the way they do for dogs? We always end up bringing our own. Cats deserve bribery too!)

Keep It Short & Sweet

If your cat is new to clothes, don’t start by leaving the sweater on for hours. Start with 5-10 minutes, then add a bit more time each day. Follow it up with treats and praise every time. Within a week or so, most cats settle into it. It feels like a lot of effort at first, but it really does pay off.

With that being said, I’ve had customers tell me (and write in their reviews, too) that their cats start purring and settle right in as soon as they put the sweater on. So you may not even need treat bribery or short acclimation sessions at all. Then again, our kitties deserve treats just for being ridiculously cute!

Pair It With Something Fun

Does your cat go nuts for a particular toy or game? Use that to your advantage! Playing with them or giving them attention while they’re wearing the sweater helps shift their focus away from “what is this thing on me” and onto something they already love.

Try the Sock Method First

You might be thinking, “wait, aren’t you trying to sell me cat clothes?” Yes — and I genuinely appreciate everyone who supports my small business. But I always try to be rather be honest than pushy, because happy cat = happy owner = happy me!

So here’s some real talk: before you spend money on pet clothes, test the waters first. Take an old sock, cut off the toe, and cut two small holes for the front legs. Congratulations, your cat now has a practice sweater! You can do the same thing with the sleeve of an old shirt or jumper.

Just make sure it’s snug but not tight, and stay nearby while your cat wears it, especially the first few times. Same advice goes for bandanas, collars, harnesses — anything new on their body.

Stretchy Fabric is Key

One of the reasons I hand-knit all my sweaters (besides being a little obsessed with yarn) is that knitted fabric has a lot of give to it. Compared to fleece or jersey, it moves with the cat instead of against them, which matters a lot if you’ve got a wriggly or active cat.

My sweaters are also seamless, so there’s nothing rubbing or catching when your cat moves around — even the most dramatic cat can still do their full acrobatics in one.

What Styles to Avoid for Beginners

If your cat is just starting out, keep it simple. Skip hoods, full-length sleeves, or anything with stiff seams — they restrict movement in ways that can make a nervous cat even more nervous. They might look adorable, but for a first-timer they can be a lot.

Think of it like breaking in new shoes — you wouldn’t start with heels. Go sleeveless, soft, and stretchy so your cat can move freely and build up some confidence first.

Want more on finding the right fit and style for your cat? I wrote a whole post on that — check out:
Dressed to Purrfection: A Complete Guide to Buying Cat Clothes

Signs Your Cat Is Getting Used to Clothing

How do you know it’s working? Look for the small stuff — walking around more confidently, grooming themselves while wearing it, playing, or even napping in it. These are all good signs your cat is settling in. It might not happen on day one, but it does happen — just give it time.

Celebrating Little Wins

Every bit of progress counts. Five minutes without a flop, a few confident steps, even just tolerating getting dressed a little better than last time — these are all wins! You’re building trust, one treat at a time. Celebrate it — it means you’re getting there.

Hope this was helpful! Whether you’re brand new to pet clothing or just want the experience to go a little smoother, remember: patience, positivity, and going at your cat’s pace make all the difference. 💕

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Dressed to Purrfection: A Complete Guide to Buying Cat Clothes

August 3, 2025June 13, 2026 / Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

Hello, everyone!

I hope your week wasn’t too rough in this glorious 2025 economy, and you’re ready for some cat talk! As I mentioned in my last post, today I’m going over what to think about when buying cat clothes, and how to make the whole experience a positive one for both you and your cat.

Safety First

Let’s start with the most important part: safety. And I don’t mean warmth or fit, I mean the actual construction of the clothing.

I often see sweaters decorated with beads, tiny buttons, or other little add-ons, sometimes scattered all over or worked into cable patterns. They look lovely, sure, but has anyone thought about whether the cat can reach those? Chew on them? Pull them off?

And what happens if your cat swallows one?

That’s exactly why I only ever put buttons at the neck, using a stitch that:

Keeps them out of reach of curious paws and teeth
Holds them on so well that the sweater itself would wear out before the button ever came loose (tested by my own cats, multiple times!)

So next time you see something cute, take a second to ask: is it also designed with safety in mind? Your cat’s safety should always come first.

Sleeves or Sleeveless? Or One Hole for Both Legs?

I touched on this in my last post, but quick recap:

If it’s your cat’s first sweater, or they’re still unsure about wearing clothes, go sleeveless. If your cat’s already comfortable in clothing, feel free to explore other styles. Sweaters with a single hole for both front legs can also work well, I’ve made several custom orders like this, just make sure they’re stretchy (like knit) so they don’t restrict movement.

Always Check the Size Chart

I really can’t say this enough: check the size chart for the specific shop you’re buying from! Every brand sizes differently. Just because your cat wears a Medium somewhere doesn’t mean they’ll wear a Medium everywhere. My sizes, for example, run large, so a cat that’s a Medium elsewhere might need an XS or S in my shop.

Most of the handful of 1-star reviews I’ve gotten came from people who skipped this step. Which brings me to…

If Your Cat Is Between Sizes, Request a Custom Order

This is a thing, and it happens more often than you’d think. A lot of shops offer custom sizing, so don’t be shy about asking! I personally do custom sizes at no extra cost, some shops may charge a small fee. Either way, don’t settle for a fit that’s off!

When in Doubt, Ask

If you’re not sure about sizing, message the seller. They won’t think it’s a silly question, promise! Buying cat clothes can be just as confusing as buying jeans for yourself (if you know, you know). Better safe than sorry!

What About Sweater Length?

You might’ve noticed I don’t list exact lengths on my size chart. That’s because every design is different, some run longer, some shorter. In general, mine tend to run on the longer side, which you’ve probably noticed in the photos.

If you need a specific length, just message me, I’m always happy to adjust made-to-order pieces.

Sewn vs. Knitted Cat Clothes

If you’ve browsed a few shops, you’ve probably noticed handmade knitwear tends to cost more and those shops usually have fewer listings overall.

Here’s why, especially from someone sourcing materials in Finland (not exactly the cheapest place for yarn):

Yarn is often pricier than fabric, and “fancy” yarns like alpaca or mohair can get expensive fast. Sewing is also just faster: even as a fast knitter and a pretty average sewer, I can sew a few shirts in an hour, but one hand-knit sweater can take me 4+ hours depending on size and design.

And to be clear, I mean hand-knitting, no machines involved!

Knitted vs. Fleece/Jersey: What Should You Choose?

Honestly, that’s up to you and your cat. Knitted cotton/linen works well for summer, while wool or thicker acrylic suits winter better. Knitwear tends to be stretchier and more comfortable than fleece, but both fleece and wool are warm options. Pick whatever fits your cat’s personality and your climate best.

Check the Shop’s Reviews (Not Just the Star Rating)

Look at how the seller handles negative feedback, not just the average score. It’s easy to seem great when everyone’s happy, what matters is what happens when someone isn’t. If a shop has a few 1-3 star reviews with no response at all, that’s worth noting. And if there is a response, read it. Is it polite? Helpful? Defensive?

A good seller should be willing to actually deal with problems, not just ignore them.

If There’s a Problem, Contact the Seller First

A few of the rare bad reviews I’ve gotten came out of nowhere: no message, no heads up. The buyer hadn’t checked the size chart, the sweater didn’t fit, and instead of reaching out, they just left a 1* review. I make each piece based on the size ordered, I don’t know your kitty’s actual measurements unless you tell me.

I also have a fair return policy and genuinely want to fix things when they go wrong. So if something’s off, message first, there’s almost always a solution!

… And Leave a Review!

Reviews matter a lot for small shops, especially the detailed ones. Think about: was the item well made? Was the sizing accurate? Was the seller easy to talk to? Did they handle any issues well?

Your review helps other buyers shop smarter, and it genuinely helps small makers like me.

Return & Exchange Policies

Always check a shop’s return policy before ordering, it’ll save you headaches later.

As an EU-based seller, I offer returns and exchanges within 14 days of delivery. That gives you two weeks to decide. If the item comes back unused and in original condition, you get a full refund. Prefer an exchange? Send the original item back and share the tracking/receipt with me, and once I have that, I’ll get the new one out to you.

Like most shops, I don’t offer returns on custom-made pieces, because they’re made specifically for your cat. With custom orders, I work through every detail with you, you get photos before shipping, and measurements, yarn, and design are all discussed in advance. These aren’t mystery items. And just to be clear: I don’t charge extra for “custom” as a service, the price difference just comes down to materials. For example, cashmere sweater costs more than standard wool simply because the yarn itself does.

One thing to watch out for: some shops label “made-to-order” items as “custom” specifically to avoid offering returns. But these aren’t the same thing. A custom piece is made for one specific cat with unique measurements. Made-to-order just means it’s made after you order, but it’s still a standard size and design. I steer clear of shops that do this. Some even use “hygiene” as an excuse, which doesn’t really hold up; I have even seen shops claim that if the item was unpacked (how else are you going to check whether it fits?), that automatically means the “hygiene seal” is “broken”, making the item non-returnable. Imagine buying jeans, they don’t fit, and the store tells you “sorry, no returns, hygiene reasons”. Most pet shops accept returns on unused items with tags, and online sellers should too.

Measuring Tips

Use a soft measuring tape if you have one. Different shops ask for different measurements, but for me, chest circumference (measured right behind the front legs) is the key one. Knit fabric stretches a lot, so it naturally adjusts for small belly differences, but if your cat has a noticeably round tummy, just let me know and I’ll add a bit of extra room there, no extra charge!

No tape measure? No problem. Use a piece of string or ribbon to take the measurement, then lay it flat against a ruler to find the length.

Don’t measure too tight. For hairless cats, measure close to the skin, snug but not constricting, the way you’d measure yourself. For furry cats, leave room for a pinky finger between the tape and their body; the fluffier the coat, the more room you’ll want to account for that.

Materials & Allergies

Most cats tolerate wool really well. While it can feel a bit scratchy at first, it softens considerably with wear and washing. I have many friends whose cats — Sphynx included — wear wool regularly without any issues.

My own cat Jupiter has sensitive skin from past stress-related overgrooming. Most wool types are fine for him, but lambswool feels a bit rough. That doesn’t mean wool’s off the table though — he wears alpaca with zero irritation, and I’ve found a lot of sensitive cats do well with finer fibers like merino, alpaca, mohair, llama, or even cashmere if you feel like splurging.

Plant-based fibers like cotton, bamboo, viscose, and linen are also great, soft, breathable, and hypoallergenic. Synthetic blends (acrylic, polyester) are usually fine for sensitive skin too, just less eco-friendly.

I keep a wide range of materials in my shop, and I’d always suggest something with at least some natural fiber in it, wool or plant-based, just for comfort.

Wool specifically deserves a mention: it’s breathable, naturally moisture-wicking, resists odor and fire, and is easy to care for despite its reputation. It’s also a renewable resource, and sheep actually need shearing for their health, as many modern breeds can’t shed properly on their own, so skipping it can cause overheating, parasites, and matting.

Coming Soon: A Full Care Guide for Hand-Knit Catwear!

One thing I hear a lot is that hand-knit sweaters, especially wool ones, are a pain to wash and look after. Honestly, they’re really not. With the right care, no fancy products or hand-wringing required, your cat’s sweater can stay soft and last for years!

I’m working on a full post with simple care steps, a few myths to clear up, and the products I actually use.

(And yes, there will be photos. Jupiter insists on modeling.)

Hope this was helpful! I’ve got something fun planned for next time, so stay tuned, and have a good week!

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Making (Furry) Headlines: Our Feature in Australian Cat Lover Magazine

June 21, 2019August 3, 2025 / Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

Hello everyone!

I hope your week has been going well and that you’re ready for some cozy weekend fun. It’s been soooo hot here in Finland lately – I’m definitely looking forward to cooler weather.

Here in Finland, most homes and apartments don’t have air conditioning (unless you’re lucky enough to own a house and install it, which is still pretty uncommon). So when temps climb up to 30°C (86°F) and your apartment faces south… Let’s just say it’s great for natural light in winter, but pretty rough during a heatwave!

Last summer, people were even advised to go cool down at shopping centers because they were the only places with AC. Wild, right?

Anyway – this post isn’t about the weather (though I hope it’s pleasant wherever you are!). Today, I have something very special to share.

My Shop Was Featured in Australian Cat Lover Magazine!

You know where it’s definitely cooler right now? Beautiful Australia! And I’m so excited to say that my shop, PurringPyjamas, was featured in the newly launched Australian Cat Lover Magazine.

I was contacted by the lovely Agnes, who invited me to be part of their very first Lifestyle feature. Naturally, I said yes right away! I submitted some photos of one of my sweaters, wrote a little description, and voilà – it was published alongside 9 other beautiful finds for feline friends.

purringpyjamas

When it came time to choose which design to feature, I knew immediately that I wanted to highlight the “Buttons Up!” sweater. It was the very first design I added to my shop back in February 2015, and honestly? I still love it just as much as I did on day one.

For the article, I did a little photoshoot with one of my friend’s beautiful kitties, Bacha – she always makes the most wonderful model. 💛

Bacha

I’m so happy with how both the photos and the feature turned out! You can check out the original piece here:

10 winter warmers for your cats in 2019

Have a great weekend, and talk to you soon!

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Review: Catit Flower Fountain – Did It Work for My Friend’s Cats?

July 25, 2018August 3, 2025 / Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

Hello, everyone!

It’s Wednesday again, which means it’s time for a new blog post. Today, we’re talking about a cat product that truly stole the show in one household – the Catit Flower Fountain. It quickly became a favorite for one of my friend’s Sphynx cats, and honestly, I can see why!

But what about the other cats in the household? Let’s take a look. First, a little technical overview…

Catit Flower Fountain, third flow option

About the Fountain

The Catit Flower Fountain holds up to 3 liters of water (about 100 fl oz / 6 pints) and includes a triple-action filter, which:

Removes magnesium and calcium (minerals that can contribute to urinary issues)
Reduces odors caused by bacteria and chlorine in tap water
Traps hairs and debris

Replacement filters are available (a 2-pack goes for €12.99 here in Finland at Musti ja Mirri). The fountain is plastic, but Catit’s official site states that it’s BPA-free, which is reassuring given BPA’s known health risks.

All parts of Catit Flower Fountain

Catit Flower Fountain, third flow option

The fountain comes with three flow settings. In this case, the cats strongly preferred the third option: “calm streams.” It was very easy to assemble, and just as easy to clean – rinsing and drying everything takes under five minutes.

The Price

Here in Finland, the Catit Flower Fountain retails for about €39.99. This particular unit was purchased secondhand (barely used – the previous cat didn’t like it) for €25. After nearly two months of daily use, it was still going strong and working beautifully.

Bacha trying to play with running water. 🙂

Aether is looking suspicious of the fountain.

Trying out the running water.

Finally getting it!

The Cats’ Reactions

The household had three Sphynx cats at the time:

Aether absolutely loved the fountain. He was a bit hesitant at first, but within minutes, he was happily drinking from it.
Bacha initially tried to play with the water, but quickly came around to enjoying it as a fresh source of hydration.
Beliza, on the other hand, wasn’t interested. Some cats are just creatures of habit, and she preferred her regular water bowl.

Still, the fountain made a big difference – especially during a hot summer – encouraging two out of the three cats to drink more water. If you’re looking for ways to help your cat stay hydrated, a fountain like this could be just the thing.

And as a bonus: the sound of gently running water made for a very calming background while working.

Can’t stop drinking!

Got distracted for a bit, but still not going away!

Bacha and Aether

After nearly two months of use, the verdict was in: still loving it!

Thanks so much for stopping by – wishing you and your feline friends a calm, cool, and hydrated week ahead!

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Review: Flying Tiger Pet Food Catapult – Does It Work?

May 30, 2018August 3, 2025 / Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

Hi, everyone! I hope you’re doing great! This blog post was written a little bit impromptu, because I was planning to write on a different topic, but yesterday I was doing a little bit of shopping, and decided to visit Flying Tiger. While over there, I noticed something I thought was quite hilarious – pet food catapult! On the package they show a dog as an example, but I was wondering if it would work for cats as well. It’s called “Pet food catapult” after all! I just HAD to try it out. Let’s see how it went!

Price. It was cheap, just like most things in Flying Tiger – I paid €4 for the pet food catapult.

Looks & how it works. It’s made of plastic, and the front part (the little see-through part) comes off easily with a little twist, so it’s easy to clean and/or load the catapult with pet food. Then you simply push down the black button (see the picture) and press the black button next to it to “shoot” the food in the air.

How my cats reacted to it. Well, the thing is that they didn’t. But no, really! They could not care less about the food flying out of that catapult. They were sitting in front of me with those huge eyes asking for treats, but they just couldn’t understand that the food was flying out of the catapult and they need to go pick it up. I loaded it with quite big cat treats (Dreamies to be precise), but I think the main issue was that the food would fly out at a very high speed, and the cats simply wouldn’t notice it. If the treats landed on the floor, they’d react to the noise it made, but that’s all.

Some final thoughts and is it worth it. It’s hard to say whether it’s worth it or not. All of my cats didn’t understand it, but maybe they’re just not very smart, haha! 😀 It was only €4, so I don’t feel robbed, and, well, cats are beings that are very picky in general. It did not work for my cats at all, but it MAY work for your cat. Or maybe it works only for dogs. Or maybe it works for some pets only, while it also may not work at all. If you feel like trying it out – give it a go, but I personally won’t be using it.

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Silver Vine for Cats: My Review + What You Should Know

July 10, 2017June 13, 2026 / Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

Hello, everyone!

Today I’m revisiting a post I originally wrote almost a decade ago (2017, if you can believe it, and here we are in 2025!), back when I first came across something interesting while shopping online: Silver Vine sticks.

I’ve always liked finding new enrichment ideas for my cats, so I was curious to try them out.Since then I’ve actually started studying to become a certified feline nutritionist, so I figured it was a good time to revisit this post with that in mind.

What Is Silver Vine?

Silver Vine (Actinidia polygama) is a plant native to parts of Asia, often described as a stronger alternative to catnip. It contains compounds like actinidine and nepetalactol, which can trigger playful or euphoric reactions in many cats, including ones who don’t respond to catnip at all.

Silver Vine works on slightly different pathways in a cat’s brain than catnip does, and there’s even some research suggesting it can help repel mosquitoes when cats rub it on their fur (source).

My Cats’ Reaction

Years ago, I found Silver Vine sticks on eBay and gave them a try. I paid about £5 for a pack (plus shipping) from a UK-based seller, assuming a European seller would mean better quality or sourcing than buying directly from Asia. The sticks arrived in generic Asian packaging, identical to the ones sold directly by Asian sellers for a fraction of the price.

Lesson learned: don’t assume a seller closer to home means better quality; often they’re just reselling the exact same product at a markup.

The sticks came in two sizes, both around 12.5 cm (5 inches) long. My cats loved them, chewing, batting, rubbing against them, carrying them around the house. Even after a few months of regular use, they were still in decent shape, just a bit frayed.

Did it help with dental health? Honestly, hard to say. Chewing can be good for their teeth in general, but I wouldn’t call Silver Vine a substitute for actual dental care. Either way, it’s a fun, cheap bit of enrichment!

Benefits of Silver Vine

Most cats respond to it, somewhere around 80% by most estimates, and it’s a nice way to encourage natural play, movement, and a bit of stress relief. It’s generally considered safe when used in moderation, and there’s that bonus mosquito-repelling effect I mentioned above!

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

As with any new treat or toy, it’s worth introducing Silver Vine gradually and seeing how your cat responds. A couple of times a week is plenty, and I’d skip it for kittens under 6 months. If your cat is elderly or has ongoing health issues, you should mention it to your vet before giving Silver Vine to your cat, just like you would with any new product.

Overall, most cats handle Silver Vine just fine.

Where to Buy

Look for clearly labeled Silver Vine products from sellers with good reviews. Skip the overpriced repackaged versions; you can often find great quality sticks or powder directly from sellers in Asia at a much better price, with plenty of reviews to go by.

Final Thoughts

Would I recommend Silver Vine? Yes, definitely. My cats had a great time with it, and I think it’s a fun, low-effort way to add a bit of enrichment to their routine. As always, every cat’s different, so see what your cat thinks!

I hope you found this review helpful! Wishing you and your cats a playful, purring-filled week. 🐾

Disclaimer:
This post is based on personal experience as a cat owner and student of feline nutrition and behavior. It is not veterinary advice. Always consult a veterinarian before introducing new substances – including Silver Vine – into your cat’s environment.

DIY Cat Treats: Easy, Quick & Yummy

March 30, 2017August 3, 2025 / Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

As a crazy cat lady, I always looks for something new for my cats. New toys, new scratching posts, new blankets, new beds… You name it, I got it. 😀 I also have quite a few books about cats, and I finally decided to get it together and make some use out of them. I flipped through one of the books I bought back in December of 2016 – it’s called “Treats for your cat”. Basically, there you can find a lot of DIY toys, pet carriers, etc. There’s also quite a few recipes with different meals you can prepare for your cats, and one of them caught my eye – it’s simple, quick and doesn’t require 15 weird and fancy products. It’s called “Christmas Cookies”, but believe me – your cat(s) will love these treats all year ’round.

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These cat treats have fish in them, and I know that there has been a little bit of a fuss about giving fish to your cat. Generally, moderate amounts of fish will provide your cat nutrients, however, it’s best to serve it cooked as raw fish contains thiaminase. It’s OK to give it to your cat as a treat sometimes, but it shouldn’t be a big part of your cat’s daily diet. With that little bit out of the way, let’s get into the recipe!

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So, I tweaked the recipe a bit to suit my cats’ wishes, so I am sure that there will be no harm if you use something different too. The basic recipe for these treats is:
-225 g/8 oz plain wholemeal flour
-1 x 200 g/7 oz can pressed cods roe (I used tuna fish instead)
-90 g/2 oz vegetable fat
-1 egg

I think that unless you have 10+ cats, you should split all the amounts in half – I have 3 cats, made half of the amount written and there will easily be enough treats for quite a few days. These treats are yummy and cats love them, but they’re also very filling and your cat probably won’t be able to eat more than 2-3 treats at once (all depends on the size of treats of course).

So, you have the recipe, what do you do next? Well, firstly, preheat your oven to 180 degrees Celsius/350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line the baking tray with a parchment paper (baking sheet). While the oven is heating, make the treats: mix together flour, your fish of choice, vegetable fat and egg. You can add a little bit of water if the mixture is too stiff. And here comes in the creative part of this process: you can choose what shape treats you want to make. I simply took little balls, pressed them a bit and made little button like treats, but you can do something more creative! In the book, it suggests to roll out the dough and cut out the treats with a cookie cutter. Put the treats on the baking sheet, and once the treats are all made and the oven is heated, put them to bake until golden and crisp. I baked them for about 15-20 minutes.

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Once the treats are done, take them out of the oven and leave to cool down. Then give them to your cats and see if they like it! I am sure they will, because my Sphynxes generally don’t eat fish, but this time they made an exception!

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I store the treats in these little glass jars.

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If you have any questions regarding the recipe, please leave them down in the comments and I will get back to you! I hope you all have a wonderful day. 🙂

asta

Custom Order: Mommy & Kitty Matching Sweaters to Spice Up the Autumn

August 22, 2016August 3, 2025 / Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

Back in the autumn of 2015, I was contacted by a kind lady who had the sweetest request: she wanted matching sweaters for herself and her cat, Gwennie.

At first, I’ll admit I was a little cautious. I hadn’t made clothing for humans in a long time – and my shop has always been focused on feline fashion. I explained that to her honestly, but she still encouraged me to give it a try.

She wasn’t in a rush, and we agreed to reconnect once I was feeling better (I was recovering from a cold at the time) and had more time to plan.

Designing the Sweater Duo

Fast forward to spring of 2016 – we began brainstorming!

She browsed my sweater designs and chose one as inspiration:

For the color, she loved the mustard yellow yarn available in my shop – a warm, cozy shade that’s perfect for autumn.

Once we finalized the design and color, she sent over her measurements, along with some preferences on sleeve length, fit, and overall shape.

From Sweater to Sweater-Dress

Originally, the idea was to create a sweater – but she later decided she’d love a sweater-dress instead. Something soft, comfy, and easy to wear with leggings. That meant adjusting the shape and structure to suit her vision – and that’s when my knitting needles really got to work!

It took a bit of trial and error, but eventually, I finished the piece and sent her photos of the final product.

done1

Waiting Game… and a Happy Ending

Even though she said she was happy with the photos, I couldn’t fully relax until she had the sweater in hand. I kept wondering:

What if it doesn’t fit perfectly?
What if the real-life version disappoints her?

Luckily, a few weeks later, the package arrived – and I received these reviews:

lou ann

Cue my huge sigh of relief! I was thrilled that she was happy – both with her sweater-dress and the matching look for her kitty.

Lessons Learned (and Loved!)

Honestly, I thought creating a human sweater-dress would be much more difficult than it turned out to be. Cat clothing and human clothing are totally different in structure and construction – but in the end, I learned so much from the process. And that’s the part I love most.

There’s a saying in my country:
“You won’t carry the weight of knowledge on your shoulders.”
Meaning – whatever you learn will never be a burden. And in this case, it brought me more confidence and a happy customer.

Wishing you all a beautiful day, and a cozy, creative week ahead!
Thanks for reading my little throwback to one of my favorite custom projects. 💛

Purring wishes, Asta signature

Review: Zooplus Advent Calendar For Cats

December 2, 2015August 3, 2025 / Asta Lamminen / Leave a comment

Even though I don’t have an Advent calendar for myself, as soon as I saw this on Zooplus website while buying cat food, I knew I needed it in my life. You know how they say that many toys for kids are actually made for their parents to attract them? I’m telling you: that’s the case with me. Just my kids are my cats.

Yes, I know I’m a bit late here, but I just received it yesterday! Finnish post offices were on strike for a week, so yeah… Everything got kind of stuck somewhere. But regardless of the fact that it’s already December, let’s see what this calendar has to offer!

The calendar has 24 days in total (needed to clear that out, because apparently there exist calendars with fewer days). And can we just appreciate all this beautiful-crazy-cat-lady-like art on the cover? I mean, come on, even the snowman is actually a snowcat! It’s just so adorable.

The back side of Advent Calendar.

Beautiful little text.

Types of snacks and ingredients.

Calendar has 4 different types of snacks: chicken, beef, duck and tuna. Everything is freezer dried and super healthy for your pet – I mean, what could be healthier than 100% meat treats with no additives? Each day you get different treats. For example, on December 1^st we got a pack of 2 beef treats, while today (December 2^nd) there were 4 small pieces of tuna treats. I wonder what tomorrow holds. 🙂

You might ask: OK, you like it, but what about your cats? Well, firstly, let me tell you, that Beliza doesn’t eat meat, so I knew immediately she won’t like this calendar. And yes, she doesn’t. Bacha eats meat sometimes, especially if it’s treats. Meanwhile Coco absolutely loves everything meat related. So yesterday she was the one to finish up both beef treats and then she thanked me by rubbing against me and purring as loud as she could. She is just so sweet ❤ Anyway, today there were tuna treats, so both Bacha and Coco enjoyed them. Overall, I think it’s a great thing to have – this calendar is fun and if your cat loves healthy meat treats, he/she will be beyond happy to get something like this. The price of the calendar won’t empty your pocket either – I paid for it around €5-€6.

Sleepy Beliza.

If you’d like to get an Advent calendar like this one, simply go to Google and type in “Zooplus”. I advice to do it that way, because Zooplus has different websites for specific countries, so there would be no use if I gave you the Finnish version of it. But if you’d like to take a look at it and read more, here is link to the English website: Advent Calendar For Cats.

Let’s share the beauty of December with our purring friends too. 😉

P.S. Christmas giveaway is still up on Facebook! You can participate right over here: Christmas giveaway.

asta

Project snowsuit, or how one Sphynx cat just refuses to give winter a way

October 17, 2015August 3, 2025 / Asta Lamminen / 2 Comments

About a month ago I was contacted by a person, who wanted something rather unusual: a snowsuit for her Sphynx cat. She said that her cat needs daily walks, and towards the winter the weather gets cold where she lives, so she needs something that would protect her naked kitty from getting cold and sick. She mentioned that she contacted some shops that sell cat clothes before, but none of them agreed to do this kind of project. And now I understand why: it takes a lot of thinking, a lot of time and quite a bit of work.

I can’t say it was very difficult to figure out the structure of the snowsuit, because I have my own cats, that are live example of what my clients look like 🙂 The knitted part was pretty easy and quick. But the real thing started with the sewing. I spent 12 hours straight sewing it. Yep, maybe that looks silly, because it’s not a HUGE project, but it is quite time consuming, when you hand sew every single detail.

The snowsuit’s outer layer is hand knitted and the inner layer is fleece. It is very warm and thick, so the wind and cold won’t reach the kitty. The paws are also waterproof – I sewed the glove-like fabric, which will prevent the paws from getting wet. Oh, and in case you were wondering why there’s a hole in the snowsuit, it’s for the harness.

I sent the pictures to the customer and so far she is satisfied with everything, which is great. The only concern that I have is the fit. Even though I had all the needed measurements, it’s always a gamble with something like this. If it was only the knitted part, I wouldn’t worry even a bit, because it’s so stretchy and comfy, so even if something’s a little tight somewhere, it will stretch out. But it’s the fleece I am worried about. It’s stretchiness is quite limited, so if something doesn’t fit, it might be difficult to make it bigger. But fingers crossed it will fit!

Would I take on another project like that? Probably yes! Even though I felt quite miserable after those 12 hours of sewing and all my muscles were sore, if the sweater will fit the kitty it will be the biggest reward! I think it is important to do something you’ve never done before, because it gives you not only skills, but is also daring and interesting.