Danelle German makes handbags out of pet hair
That's right, and why not? Cats are soft, and long-haired cats like persians often get shaved to keep mats controlled and to help them stay cool in the summer months. Where does all of that shaved hair go?
Usually, it ends up in the garbage. But South Carolina groomer Danelle German had another idea — to make a purse. Of course, it wasn't that easy. First, she had to get a spinning wheel. Then, she learned how to spin the fluffy, soft fur into yarn, which was then used to knit unique hand bags.
For cat lovers, this is not only a way to go green by recyclying and reusing fur that would otherwise go to waste, but it's also a way to get a personalized keepsake of a beloved pet.
And it's not only cat lovers, German makes bags out of dog hair, too!
Of course, many have an intial "eww" reaction to the idea of carrying a purse made of cat fur. Although, those same folks would probably have a much worse reaction if they knew where the wool in their UGGs came from.
German lists a couple of "ewww dispelling" facts on her Web site as:
1. All pets are washed and groomed prior to collecting their hair. The hair fibers we use are cleaner than your dog or cat that is currently running around your house and sleeping on your bed. Unless it has been bathed within the last 2 minutes.
2. Felting requires running the product through a washing process anywhere from 2-6 times. The pet hair handbag is generally cleaner than your own clothing. Unless, of course, you have just washed it 6 times in a row and not worn it yet.
With options ranging from $45 - $300, the kitty-fur bags are fit for any budget. For pet owners who want a lasting tribute of their cat or dog, this is the better than anything by Gucci, Marc Jacobs or even Louie Vuitton. The only question is, when will this catch on with the hundreds of groomers in Houston?
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**The Houston Cats Examiner hopes everyone considering shaving a kitty will research pros and cons. Although the pet-fur purse seems to be the only humane fur to wear, we know shaving can still sometimes traumatize cats due to the process of washing and being held down to shave. Please make sure your cat is of good health and that the reasons to shave are not for looks, but for health reasons (such as matting, hairball control or heat exhaustion). Please consult with your vet.
For more info: http://www.cattyshackcreations.com/08/index.htm
Why give kitty a lion cut? http://www.examiner.com/x-9146-Houston-Cats-Examiner~y2009m5d18-Why-to-give-kitty-a-lion-cut-this-summer
Other ways to keep kitty safe and healthy this summer: http://www.examiner.com/x-9146-Houston-Cats-Examiner~y2009m5d13-Summer-safety-for-Houston-cats
Comments
Oh good, I thought this was going to be about bags that were made from dead cats - like they do in China. They sell so many products with cat fur but they skin the cats - it's very sad. I'm glad to see a positive story about fur; I've seen it done with rabbit fur so why not with cat fur? I guess this bag would be for non-allergy sufferers only. It looks absolutely beautiful.
omg this is like the best idea ever! It seems like something I would invent.
I've been saving my kitty's fur for three years. He has the most fur I've ever seen on a cat, and is miserable in the summer. So he gets his summer shave every year. I only wish I had known about this MANY years ago, so that I would have a huge bag of fur to weave by now!
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