Grumpy Cat, Cash Cats & Cat Parties: SXSW From A Cat Lady's Perspective

Animal Planet Cats Live Here Party 

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to attend the SXSW Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas. I've been dreaming of going for years now, and when I finally got the opportunity as part of my job as a Community Manager at Purina, I couldn't believe it!

I was in town with Pro Plan Cat, who were one of the sponsors of the MO FILM 2014 SXSW Awards. During the party, which included a film screening and gourmet BBQ, one talented filmmaker received a prize for creating a cinematic cat video that answered the question, "What's so great about a cat?" 


Dave told me what was so great about his cat, Miss Trinkles. (via @ProPlanCat)

We were also there gathering stories for @ProPlanCat, which just went live on Twitter and Instagram last week! I'd love for you to follow us and tag your cat photos with #MyGreatCat for a chance to be featured in the community. As an added incentive, if you also mention @catsparella in your tweets or Instagram posts, I'll send you a surprise when we launch the Pro Plan Cat Facebook page in April! 

As for the rest of the conference, it truly was a cat lovers paradise. After taking in an inspiring discussion with Nasty Gal CEO Sophia Amoruso, we headed to the infamous Mashable House, AKA heaven on earth for a pop culture enthusiasts who spend the bulk of their waking hours on the internet. 


I came in like a Wrecking Ball...

After signing signing my life away on a release form, I had the opportunity to swing on a wrecking ball, Miley style. 


S.H. + G.C. = Best Frans Forever

Next, I turned into a real life cat emoji when I got to take a picture with Grumpy Cat! The internet's most famous feline was there representing Friskies (another Purina brand, natch), and delivering food to needy cats in the Austin area.


The Iron Throne just got a whole lot cattier.

I thought I couldn't take any more excitement after that, but boy, was I wrong. A stop at the Game of Thrones exhibit across town was another highlight of the trip, and a chance to sit on the Iron Throne brought out my inner Cersei (after a brief hiatus, my cattitude is back!). 


Cat Cash: The Economy of Internet Cat Videos Panel

Afterwards, I rushed back to the Austin Convention Center for the most highly anticipated session of the conference: Cat Cash: The Economy of Internet Cat Videos. The panel included Will Braden (Henri, Le Chat Noir), Ben Lashes (Meme Manager to Grumpy Cat, Nyan Cat, Keyboard Cat and more), Grace Suriel (Director of Social Media at Animal Planet), and Scott Stulen (Curator of the Internet Cat Video Festival). Lil Bub's dude, Mike Bridavasky, was also in the crowd, but nothing caused more pandemonium than when Grumpy Cat made a surprise appearance. 


Quincy insisted that I get her good side.

The rain wouldn't let up, but an an emergency umbrella run led us to Wild About Music, where we were greeted by an awesome shop cat named Quincy! This spunky girl made my already unforgettable day complete, and wouldn't you know it - she's a social media maven like myself, with her very own Twitter account!


A+ Cat Swag

Day 2 of the conference consisted of a heavy day of sessions (including one about Twitter and Sharknado, because why not), but once the sun went down, it was time to get my cat party on. The cool cats at Animal Planet were kind enough to send me a VIP invite to their Cats Live Here Party, a celebration of all things feline. Needless to say, the kitty-themed bash was all I could have dreamed of and more. 


The Glamourpuss was the must-have cocktail of the night (by me).

Guests were treated to cat-themed cocktails, quirky buttons, and cake pops.

Kicking it with Lil Bub in the VIP lounge.

There was even an appearance in the VIP lounge by none other than Lil Bub!


A view from the top of the best cat party ever.

The culmination of the bash was a rousing performance from 80s cover band, The Spazmatics. I must say, if you're in Texas, you must check these guys out. After dancing the night away, I ended up standing in line for a free cronut at 2 a.m. (alas, it did not come to pass). But if that's the worst thing that happened all weekend, I think I did OK.

Thanks for stopping by to see what I've been up to! If you'd like to keep up with my latest project, follow @ProPlanCat on Twitter and Instagram, and tag your pics with #MyGreatCat for a chance to be featured in our new community! 

Grumpy Cat, Cash Cats & Cat Parties: SXSW From A Cat Lady's Perspective

Happy New Year & An Update!

Catsparella has been on hiatus for the past few weeks while I've been settling into my new life in St. Louis. As I mentioned in my last update, I moved here at the beginning of December for a job opportunity -- which as some of you correctly guessed is at Nestlé Purina PetCare!

I started this blog from my bedroom in 2010 as a creative outlet, and as a way to escape an unfulfilling job in human resources. I am extremely grateful and humbled that I was able to channel my passion for cats into a blog, and eventually a career. It was difficult for me to leave everything I've ever known back in New Jersey, but I'm also very excited to start this new chapter in my life.

Purina is home to iconic cat brands such as Cat Chow, Tidy Cats, Friskies, and Fancy Feast, and as part of my role as Community Manager, I will be leading the Pro Plan Cat community. We are gearing up to launch a brand new page on Facebook and Twitter in the coming months, and I hope you will join me there!

As I look back over the past 3 and a half years, more than anything, I am so thankful for all of the wonderful individuals (human and feline) that I have met. It's been an honor telling your stories, and sharing all of my favorite cat finds with you week after week. That being said, this isn't a goodbye. While I continue to figure out my new life here, I will still pop in with news and updates (and Caturday posts!), and hope you will stop by to say hello and see what's new. 

Thank you again to everyone who has gone down this road with me, and taken the time to read, comment, and share one of my posts. Catsparella has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and I am forever changed because of it. 

Wishing everyone and their kitties a very happy new year filled with cats, cupcakes, and love! 

-Stephanie

Happy New Year & An Update!

Meet Simon's Cat Creator Simon Tofield On His U.S. Book Tour This November

Simon Tofield

Simon Tofield, the award-winning illustrator behind the enormously popular Simon's Cat films, is about to embark on a U.S. tour in support of his latest book, "Simon's Cat vs. The World"!



I am excited to announce that Akashic Books has invited me to moderate the New York City stop of the tour, which will be at the Mid-Manhattan Branch of the New York Public Library (455 5th Avenue) on Monday, November 25th at 6:30pm – 8:30pm!

The event is cosponsored by City Critters, Inc. and the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals. You can RSVP on the event's Facebook page here.

I hope you will come out and join us for what is sure to be a fur-tastic evening of fun! If you're not in the NYC area, don't fret; Check out the full list of tour dates below and visit the Akashic Books website to see if Tofield is making a stop in a city near you.

Nov 18, 2013 – Brookline Booksmith, Boston, MA
Nov 20, 2013 – The Book Cellar, Chicago, IL
Nov 21, 2013 – Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Cincinnati, OH
Nov 23, 2013 – Miami Book Fair International – Wolfson Campus, Miami Dade College, Miami, FL
Nov 23, 2013 – Miami Book Fair International, Wolfson Campus, Miami Dade College, Miami, FL
Nov 24, 2013 – Politics & Prose, Washington, DC
Nov 25, 2013 – New York Public Library, Mid-Manhattan Branch, New York, NY
Nov 26, 2013 – Clinton Book Shop, Clinton, NJ

Meet Simon's Cat Creator Simon Tofield On His U.S. Book Tour This November

Grumpy Cat & Cat Videos Collide At The Friskies 2013 Video Awards

I met Grumpy Cat!

Last night I had the honor of attending The Friskies, an award show dedicated to honoring the best new internet cat videos of the year. Host Michael Ian Black, along with special guests Angela Kinsey, Henri, le Chat Noir creator Will Braden, and Mick Szydlowski (Oskar the Blind Cat's human), presented golden catuettes and $25,000 in cash prizes to four lucky winners -- Oh yeah, and I met Grumpy Cat, too!



The celebration was held at Arena in New York City, an event space just outside of Times Square. 

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by colorful flower arrangements on every table, accented with felt kitty toys and pictures of the night's lifetime achievement award recipient, Grumpy Cat. 

I was thrilled to finally meet Henri, le Chat Noir creator, Will Braden!

Not to brag (I am totally bragging), but I was beyond excited to mix and mingle with some of the biggest names in the cat world, including Will Braden, creator of the brilliant Henri, le Chat Noir videos. Braden, who traveled (sans Henri) to the show from Seattle, couldn't have been nicer (and no, he isn't really French!).

The Friskies winners posed alongside Michael Ian Black, Tabatha Bundesen & Grumpy Cat, and Angela Kinsey.

I also had the pleasure of meeting host Michael Ian Black. I introduced myself as a "cat blogger and big fan," to which he thanked me and shook my hand before posing for a pic. Black killed it in his duties as the night's emcee, and even referenced his kitty Alfalfa, who was surely watching back at home.

Grumpy Cat's owner, Tabatha Bundesen, was always by her side making sure she was happy and comfortable.

And then there was Grumpy Cat. I could barely sleep last night because I was still so excited from meeting her! I don't know how else to put it, except to say that she is even tinier and more precious in person. 

Catventure category winner Joanne McGonagle, with her husband Paul and their catuette.

Of course, no cat event would be complete without my fellow cat bloggers, Tamar Arslanian from I Have Cat, Robin Olson of Covered in Cat Hair, and Layla Morgan Wilde from Cat Wisdom 101. We were all very proud when our friend, Joanne McGonagle of The Tiniest Tiger, accepted an award in the Catventure category for "The Tiniest Tiger's Snow Adventure." The video starred her beloved kitty, Gracey, who sadly passed away in May, and the honor was a fitting tribute to her legacy.


I was also very excited to meet Rita (and her mom, who took this pic!), who was one of my ticket giveaway winners!

Thank you again to Friskies for inviting me to take part in the biggest cat-stravaganza of the year! It was fun finally meeting some of the famous faces (human and feline) that I've been blogging about for so long, and I will never get over the fact that I got to hold Grumpy Cat!

I shall never be grumpy again.

In case you missed it, you can catch the recorded live stream of the show at thefriskies.com.

Grumpy Cat & Cat Videos Collide At The Friskies 2013 Video Awards

PetSafe 2013 Paw Print Blogger Summit

Welcome Bloggers!

Last week, I was away in beautiful Knoxville, Tennessee courtesy of the wonderful folks at PetSafe! They generously invited me and eleven other pet bloggers from across the country to visit their headquarters, meet their team, and learn more about their innovative products.


Arriving at the Knoxville airport. We're definitely not in NJ anymore!

While the company is better known for their fido friendly items -- including the Invisible Fence -- on the kitty side, you might be familiar with their beautiful Drinkwell fountains, FroliCat interactive and laser toys, and Feline Lickety Stik treats.


We got to check out the colorful new line of ceramic porcelain Avalon and Pagoda fountains.


This kitty really loves her Come With Me Kitty Harness and Bungee Leash!


A selection of FroliCat interactive and laser toys, including the BOLT, DART DUO, and POUNCE.

Pets were also invited to attend the summit, and although my kitties weren't exactly up for the trip, I was excited to spend some quality time with famous dog bloggers like Preston, Pepper, and Tides!


Preston the Westie from Preston Speaks.


Pepper Pomeranian from Pepper's Paws.


Tides the Basset Hound from Dogs for the Paws.

In addition to visiting PetSafe HQ, we also got a tour of Scripps Networks Interactive (home of HGTV, Food Network, and DIY Network, among others). PetSafe has teamed up with the networks for projects such as DIY's Blog Cabin giveaway.


Scripps Networks Interactive


Studio space at Scripps.

Another highlight of the trip was a tour of The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. It was inspiring to hear the lengths the hospital staff goes to help all creatures, great and small. I was amazed to see everything from a small pet therapy pool, to a horse in the ICU, and a llama in a cast!


Pet therapy pool at The University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. Notice the tiny life vests on the wall!


This llama is on the road to recovery thanks to the caring staff at UTCVM!


How to tell if you have an overweight tiger.

The PetSafe team showed us an incredible amount of southern hospitality, which culminated with a memorable BBQ and bluegrass concert under the stars. Musician Jay Clark invited us to his home for a phenomenal evening of food, music, and an authentic look at Eastern TN, that I felt so lucky to be a part of!


We spent Friday night down in the holler enjoying an amazing bluegrass concert and BBQ!


Paying my respects at the pet cemetery on the Clark's property (Image courtesy of @PetsWeekly).

My first trip to Tennessee was truly a unique experience, and one that I will never forget. Thank you again to everyone at PetSafe for inviting me to take part in such a fantastic event!

Disclosure: PetSafe covered my expenses associated with this trip, but all thoughts, opinions, and llama in a cast photos contained in this post are my own.

PetSafe 2013 Paw Print Blogger Summit

A Fancy Feast Cheese Affair To Remember

Me and the Fancy Feast cat (we are basically BFF at this point).

If you had asked me what I was doing last Friday night, I would have happily told you that I was on my way to New York City to attend a cheese soirée with the Fancy Feast cat. 

Such is my strangely awesome life, that twice in two weeks, I've had the opportunity to rub elbows with one of the most famous spokescats, in one of the best cities in the world.



Fancy Feast invited me to the party in The Cellar at Beecher's Handmade Cheese, a trendy café and wine bar, located in the Flatiron District. The bash included free-flowing wine, an incredible selection of cheeses, and of course, one very famous feline.



The party was to celebrate the launch of Fancy Feast Delights With Cheddar Classic, and was the grand prize in the "Cheese Affair Pin to Win" sweepstakes. Three lucky winners and their guests were flown in from all over the country to attend the event, which included a VIP cheese tasting with expert, Liz Thorpe. 


Me and cheese expert, Liz Thorpe. Check out her awesome kitty skirt!

Thorpe, who has two cats of her own, is the author of The Cheese Chronicles. She could not have been any friendlier or more knowledgable as she led us through the delicious pairings, and even showed up in in some fancy cat clothing of her own -- a chic, feline-inspired skirt!


Getting cat lady crunk with fellow blogger Tamar Arslanian of I Have Cat.

I was also happy to catch up with my friend and fellow blogger, Tamar Arslanian of I Have Cat. After munching on everything from watermelon and feta salad, to mac & cheese, I even got to stop by her apartment to meet her famous felines, Petie, Kip, and Haddie!

Thank you again for Fancy Feast for including me in this fun, fromage inspired affair. I will definitely never look at cheese the same way again!

A Fancy Feast Cheese Affair To Remember

New York Fashion Week Gets Fancy (Feast!) With Feline Inspired Designs By Malan Breton

Yesterday morning I hopped a train to New York City with a cat dress, and a lifelong dream of meeting the Fancy Feast cat. A dream come true, after the cat food brand invited me to attend the feline inspired Malan by Malan Breton fashion show, at the STYLE360 Fashion Pavilion during New York Fashion Week.


Breton sharing a moment with the Fancy Feast cat.

Breton, a veteran of Project Runway Season 3, has gone on to have a successful career in the fashion biz. On Saturday, he presented his eponymous line as part of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center, and he has dressed celebrities such as Kerry Washington, Michael Bublé, Kylie Minogue, and Ariana Grande for the red carpet. For the Malan by Malan Breton Spring/Summer 2014 collection, the designer partnered with Fancy Feast to create three looks, uniquely inspired by their iconic cat.


The calm before the storm...



I was fortunate enough to go backstage before the show to chat with the sweet and soft-spoken Breton, who shared with me that he has two young Cornish Rex cats named Tallulah and Tabatha at home.




The final, feline inspired look.

When asked how cats inspire his designs, he told me that he looks to their confidence, and referred to the finale piece in the show, a stunning white dress featuring a 15-foot train that moves with the body, and flows sensually like a cat. We also discussed the current feline fashion craze, which he thinks is great. As a cat owner himself, he understands why we are so enamored with our feline friends, saying, "When you have a bad day, they're always there when you get home, giving love."





The collection itself was a sea of sumptuous, shiny fabrics, punctuated by the white cat-inspired looks. In lieu of animal prints or patterns, Breton focused on dramatic, cat-like lines. One look in particular, a sleek tuxedo with oversized black lapels, instantly brought to mind the elegance and grace of the iconic puss, prowling down the catwalk. 


Cat-inspired fashions alongside their muse.


You fancy, huh?

Of course, the Fancy Feast cat would never miss an event inspired by her likeness, and the world famous Silver Chinchilla Persian, soft as a bunny, sat in a place of honor atop a pink velvet cushion, while a long line of VIPs waited to snap a pic with her in the photo booth.


Photo booth fun.



I was also given some incredible cat-inspired swag, including an exclusive Fancy Feast NYFW tote, mirrored compact, and pearl studded cat ears. Stay tuned, because I snagged a few extra bags to giveaway next week!


Before you ask, my dress is from H&M!

Thank you again to Fancy Feast for inviting me to take part in this inspiring affair, and for bringing feline inspired fashion back to the runway!

New York Fashion Week Gets Fancy (Feast!) With Feline Inspired Designs By Malan Breton