Crafting with Cat Hair: Turn Shedding Season Into Art
Your cat is basically a yarn factory. This book just makes it official.
If you live with a cat, you are already surrounded by raw craft material. It is on your couch, your sweaters, your toothbrush somehow. Crafting with Cat Hair is a small book that looks at that endless supply of fluff and says: why not make something cute out of it?
It is equal parts genuine craft guide and hilarious gift, and it has become a cult favorite among cat people.
What is Crafting with Cat Hair about?
Written by Kaori Tsutaya and translated into English by Amy Hirschman, Crafting with Cat Hair was published by Quirk Books in 2011 as a 96-page paperback, with a Kindle edition also available. The concept is straightforward: collect the fur that comes off your cat when you brush it, then use simple felting and crafting techniques to turn it into small handmade items.
The projects lean toward the cute and tiny, the kind of little keepsakes that feel both sweet and slightly unhinged. The book also touches on grooming as a bonding moment with your cat, which is a nice spin on a chore that usually ends with fur everywhere.
There is also a sentimental angle that sneaks up on you. Plenty of owners like the idea of turning fur from a much-loved pet into a small keepsake, and a book that gives you a starting point for that is oddly touching under all the silliness.
You do not need to be an expert crafter to enjoy it. Even if you never make a single project, it is a great coffee-table read that will start conversations with every guest who picks it up.
Crafting with Cat Hair: who it’s for (plus gift ideas)
It is perfect for crafty cat owners, people with long-haired cats that shed like snowstorms, and anyone who loves offbeat books. It also works for folks who want a memento of a beloved pet.
- The friend whose black clothing is always covered in white fur
- A crafter who has tried every yarn and wants something new
- Cat lovers who have everything, including a DJ cat scratcher
- A coffee-table conversation starter for a pet-loving household
Pros and cons
What we like
- Clever and funny premise that is also genuinely usable
- Short, approachable book
- Encourages regular brushing and bonding
- Free raw materials if you own a cat
- Makes a memorable gift for cat people
What gives us pause
- Requires a lot of fur for bigger projects
- Not ideal for anyone with cat allergies
- Some readers may prefer it as a joke rather than a hobby
- Short-haired cats produce less usable fluff
FAQ
Who wrote Crafting with Cat Hair?
It was written by Kaori Tsutaya and translated by Amy Hirschman, published by Quirk Books.
How long is the book?
The paperback is 96 pages, according to the listing details.
Is there a Kindle version?
Yes, a Kindle edition is available on Amazon.
Do I need special tools to make the projects?
The projects use basic craft techniques. Check the book for the specific supplies each project calls for.
Is it worth adding to your shelf?
If you have a cat and a sense of humor, Crafting with Cat Hair is a small, joyful purchase. It turns an annoying fact of pet ownership into something creative. For more feline oddities, see the DJ cat scratcher or the hidden litter box planter.