Cat Cupcake Tuesdays

Maneki Neko Cupcake

I'm obsessssssed with this incredible maneki neko (beckoning cat) cupcake by Un Cupcake, l'Addition. It should come as no surprise that the fortunate feline was one in a set of six amazing, Japanese-themed cupcakes that took the top prize in the cupcake competition at Expo Tarta 2013 in Madrid.

Via Facebook (Un Cupcake, l'Addition) / Un Cupcake, l'Addition

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Have you created or spotted any kitty-themed baked goods (or other foods) lately? If so, please submit your sweet tips for Cat Cupcake Tuesdays to catsparella@gmail.com!

Cat Cupcake Tuesdays

10 Holiday Gifts For The Discriminating Cat Lady

Skip the basic kitty Christmas gifts this year in favor of 10 purrfect presents that any feline fashionista or connoisseur of kitty chic would love!


1. ASOS Christmas Cat Sweater (also available in Green and Petite Sizes)
Ugly Christmas sweaters are in style at the moment, but I prefer this cuddlier take on the holiday classic. Looking to purchase one for the cat-man in your life? Urban Outfitters has a Santa Kitten sweater that fits the bill.


2. Marc by Marc Jacobs Rue Kitty iPhone Case and Stud Earrings (sold separately)
I'm obsessed with Marc by Marc Jacobs kitty accessories (just check out my current iPhone case), and the latest addition is a cat named Rue, who can also be found on a pendant, or on a pair of soon-to-be-released smoking cat slippers.


3. 20" Big Plush Pusheen Toy
Bring home one of the most entertaining cat comics on the web (Pusheen the Cat), in the form of an adorable plush that you'll never want to let go. Pusheen is also available in a smaller version, if you just ain't ready for all that jelly.


4. Cat Eyeglasses Sweater, Cat Eyeglasses Mug, and Cat Eyeglasses Pillow
I've wanted this cat sweater by UK-based brand Louche forever, and was excited to see the addition of a mug and needlepointed pillow, that would add a touch of vintage charm to any home decor.


5. "A Cat's Life" by Gemma Correll
UK-based artist Gemma Correll is known for her cute, funny, and quirky take of what goes on inside the mind's of animals. Her kitty-themed illustrations are particularly popular, and have been compiled into this 128-page, must have collection, purrfect for any cat lover.  


6. Set of 6 Hand-Carved Linocut Itty Bitty Kitty Committee Ornaments
Fans of The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee, the gorgeous blog dedicated to Laurie Cinotto's fostering efforts for the Tacoma/Pierce County Humane Society, will recognize the felines featured in this hand-crafted set of ornaments by Anagram Press. There are only 200 sets available, and part of the proceeds will be donated to help stock the Tacoma Humane Society's emergency pet food bank.


7. Meow Meow Tweet Birds of a Feather Set
This decadent bath set, which is available in Lavender Lover (yes, plz!), Grapefruit Gang, and Woodsy Wonderland, comes stocked with a bar of soap, soy candle, and liquid soap with a jubilant kitty-printed label. All of the the Brooklyn-based company's products are vegan, 100% natural, 96% organic, and never tested on animals.


8. Cats Are People Too T-Shirt
The Em and Sprout Etsy shop is chock full of super cute and creative apparel and accessories, including cat shoes, bags, jewelry and more! I'm always on the prowl for cool cat threads, and this hilarious advo-cat tee is just too funny to pass up.


9. Dogeared Lucky Cat Charm
The Maneki Neko, or Beckoning Cat is a Japanese symbol of good luck, and this sparkling charm is ready to wave some good fortune your way! The simple, yet stylish feline bling is made in the USA by Dogeared, and is available in sterling silver, or in 14k gold-dipped sterling silver, as shown.


10. Le Chat Poster
Feline-themed art that manages to be cute and chic at the same time? The heart-shaped nose on this mysterious kitty is a nice touch, and the French text makes it a little fancier by default, oui?

Still looking for even more feline-themed gifts ideas to help stuff their stocking? 

A donation to a local animal shelter or national pet welfare organization is a timeless gift that never goes out of style!

Sticking to a budget? Check out my Catster guide to 10 Cat-Themed Holiday Gifts for Less Than $25!

Also, I'd encourage you to stop by any of my amazing sponsors who help keep Catsparella running, including:

Pussies on Parade: Unique cat-themed art, apparel, jewelry, home decor and more.
Hey Kitty Kitty: An online boutique dedicated to bringing you the most awesome cat-themed items, as well as fun products for your feline friend. 
Portraits of Animals: Handmade creations inspired by artist Bernadette Kazmarski's household of felines and the beauty of nature.
Hotline Ink: An Austin-based screen printing company that focuses on animal-themed (cat!) totes and apparel.
Thirsty Cat Fountains: 100% food safe, handmade ceramic cat drinking fountains.
Magic Pots Handmade Cat Bowls: Handmade Polish pottery for kids, pets, cats, special occasions.
Shop Miss Ella: Illustration, jewelry, cute dresses, purses, patterns and toys, many cat themed for kitsch cuties and feline fancies!
Sweet Pickles' Designs: Gorgeous designer cat collars!

Happy shopping!

10 Holiday Gifts For The Discriminating Cat Lady

"Must Love Cats" Season 2 Premieres Tomorrow Night On Animal Planet!

The Legend of Maneki Neko - Must Love Cats

Now that "My Cat From Hell" has wrapped up its second season, it's time for "Must Love Cats" to fill the cat-shaped television programming hole in your heart!

The hit Animal Planet show that introduced us to Klepto Kitty and The Rock-Cats is getting ready to premiere this weekend, and this season promises even more extraordinary cat stories from around the country. We'll also be treated to host John Fulton bringing his signature "kitty diddies" abroad, where he'll meet up with cat lovers in England and Japan.

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't extremely a little envious that John got to go on all of these cat themed adventures, which include meeting some lovely ladies I've had the pleasure of interviewing. Rumor has it, Fulton sits down with cat hair jewelry designer Flora Davis, as well as Ruth Adams, whose cat Smokey has the Guinness Record for having the loudest purr in the world!

Tomorrow night's premiere episode focuses on Japan, where John will be visiting a cat cafe, exploring Cat Island, and meeting Super Stationmaster Cat Tama (there go those jealousy pangs again..ahhhahhh). In the sneak peek clip above, he also learns the real story behind the Maneki Neko, and finds out why it is one of the most enduring and popular symbols of prosperity in Japan.

"Must Love Cats" Season 2 premieres Saturday, March 10th at 8 PM E/T on Animal Planet.

"Must Love Cats" Season 2 Premieres Tomorrow Night On Animal Planet!

Cat Cupcake Tuesdays

Lucky Cat Cupcakes

Maneki Neko, also known as the beckoning cat or lucky cat is a Japanese symbol, usually seen in sculpture, that is believed to bring good luck to its owner. Going into 2012, I'm sure most of us could probably use a little extra good fortune, and if gobbling up these glittery creations will help, then I'm all for it!

Kate tells me that these cat cupcakes come from Auntie Loo's Treats, a 100% vegan bakery located in Ottawa, ON.

Via Cake Central

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Have you created or spotted any kitty-themed baked goods (or other foods) lately? If so, please submit your sweet tips for Cat Cupcake Tuesdays to catsparella@gmail.com!

Cat Cupcake Tuesdays