Meet Coco The High Couture Cat and her Guardian Teri Thorsteinson

You may or may not agree with putting clothes on cats. If you disagree, I hope that you will be able to suspend your initial negative reaction for a moment to read that in this particular instance these kitties are dressed up only for special occasions, and for fund-raising purposes to help cats in need.

I never gave much thought to how I felt about kitty guardians dressing up their cats in costumes. Whenever the subject of what kind of costume they were planning to have their kitties wear for Halloween, or what elaborate outfits they should bedeck them in for other special occasions, I always wondered what would inspire any passionate felineophile to consider enhancing the perfect attire with which Mother Nature has already given them since most cats already come adorned in such an array of magnificently colored fur coats.

High couture cat: coco and teri the owner
Photo credit: Teri with Coco – Photo by Kim J. Gifford — Kim Gifford’s website: http://www.pugsandpics.com/— Photo of Coco Courtesy of www.cococouturecat.com
Two useful tags. Click either to see the articles: Toxic to cats | Dangers to cats

On the other hand, however, I grant you that there are many cat lovers who do get pleasure from gussying up their kitties. In fact, the topic of dressing up cats came up during an interview with Cat Daddy Jackson Galaxy last March with the Austin Chronicle.

Knowing the adoration that Jackson Galaxy holds for kitties, it didn’t surprise me that he is certainly no fan of dressing up cats in outfits at all. In response to the question, “What do you think of people who dress up their cats in funny clothes?” Jackson responded, “I hate ‘em. Yeah, no, I ‘m not a fan of dressing up animals. I just- I’m into animals for the sake of them being animals and I want to celebrate them for that.”

However, while signing up at the registration desk at the Blog Paws 2012 Conference,  the first person I encountered was Teri Thorsteinson greeting people while parading Coco, her gorgeous Cornish Rex around the area in a pink Catillac carriage. Coco was so beautifully dressed to the “nines” in such a stunning outfit, that although I historically frowned upon cats in costume, I couldn’t help but begin to re-evaluate my opinion shortly after I had a chance to speak with Teri and learn about some of the fabulous things in which she and her cats are involved. I found myself starting to strongly appreciate what these “high couture cats” can do to contribute to kitties who are less fortunate.

Teri was excited about how warmly her cats were received and thrilled with the overwhelming attention and the positive feedback given to her about her colorfully costumed cats while she attended the Blog Paws Pet Blogger conferences. It was then that she realized that what was first just a fun activity for her and her kitties was leading her to turn into a new direction; “helping rescue organizations increase their exposure and raise funds through fashion.”

With Coco’s innate fashion sense and her exquisite taste in wearing apparel, both Teri and her extraordinary kitty’s goals is to truly make a difference in the lives of cats that are far less fortunate. Coco hopes that by modeling these extraordinary kitty fashions created for her by cat savvy designers, that her gowns will then be auctioned off with the proceeds contributed to a sanctuary or other rescue organizations she supports.

Enjoy a moment of fun high couture kitties strutting their Feline Fashionistas on the Cat Walk, watch the charming video uploaded to YouTube by Teri Thorsteinson

Perhaps Coco and her guardian Teri have given me pause to reflect that there are times when tastefully dressing up a kitty in a unique and clever costume has its merits. What do you think? Tell us what you think in a comment.

Jo

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30 thoughts on “Meet Coco The High Couture Cat and her Guardian Teri Thorsteinson”

  1. First, what a great article. It’s wonderful to spread awareness on the unique and varied ways we can help raise money for our furry friends. I have met Teri and Coco (the picture above is one I snapped at Blogpaws) and I have to say that the two spread smiles wherever they appear. I understand the well meaning intentions of those who do not believe in dressing up their pets, and have to confess that my pugs often wear costumes as well. I take them dressed to area nursing homes and Trick or Treatin’ and like Coco and Teri they bring smiles to people’s faces. I love that Teri has turned this into a fundraising effort. With so much need all around us, I know that many organizations struggle with how to raise funds, etc. and are always seeking new ways. A local shelter in our area actually put on a pet fashion show. I think Teri and Coco should be praised for their ingenuity and not judged. No one needs to put their own pets in clothes if they find it goes against their beliefs, but Coco is far from abused, this cat strutted it’s stuff on the red carpet at Blogpaws eating up the attention. My pugs rush to the clothes bin because they know it means they will be getting attention. Seeing Teri and Coco was one of the treats of Blogpaws and I didn’t even know all the good she was doing with her getup. I just knew that she and Coco looked fashionable and happy, and that made me happy. I’m so thrilled to know there is even more good that comes from this. And, even if there were not, I think Teri’s dressing of Coco and Coco’s acceptance of it (that cat was not struggling in any way to get out of its duds) shows that the two spend a lot of time together. Coco is loved and that love reaches out to a lot of people. Way to go both of you!

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    • Thanks Kim. I totally agree. Teri should be praised for the what she does for cat welfare. Some people will disagree with putting clothes on cats which is fair enough but there is a good cause behind this and that needs to be recognized and praised. Thanks for commenting.

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  2. I for one totally disagree with putting cats or dogs in stupid “designer clothes” just to make a “statement”. With indoor cats I believe a simple collar is enough, anything more than that is the owners idea of “fancy, or classy”. I believe that short coated dogs, and cats that might go for walks on a leash should wear common sense coverage. They don’t need bright colors, feathered hats, glasses and what not. Simple is better, cheaper and the animals are probably happier with out all the extra “luggage”.

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  3. yes i agree its ok for dogs or animals in the cold. i personally wouldnt do it for my animals as i just know they would hate it.

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  4. Our RSPCA may have faults but at least they are clear on this subject:

    ‘Forcing pets to wear clothing could be harmful, and in some cases there may even be grounds to prosecute,there is a dizzying array of products on sale, from bootees, pyjamas, all-in-one trousers and even hoodies.
    Under the Animal Welfare Act that came into force in April 2007 owners have a duty of care to ensure that all of their pets’ needs are met. One of those needs is to express normal behaviour and it could mean that with restrictive clothing they are not able to do that properly. We are concerned that any pet should be viewed as a fashion accessory. Taking on an animal is a long-term commitment. It’s quite humiliating and sends out the wrong message about pet care’

    Thankfully not a single one of my many cat contacts here thinks dressing up their pet is acceptable, if they did they would soon be an ex cat contact.

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    • Glad the RSPCA made a stand against it, I hope it never catches on here I think it’s unkind, and not even a little bit cute.

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    • I think the trouble is that some people go too far and are insensitive about their cat’s feelings and do it in a selfish way. Then it can be cruel. I agree with Barbara that is is good that the RSPCA have made a statement about this.

      Reply

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