Why cat ring jewellery still ignores real cat owners

How cat ring jewellery became a trend without cat owners in mind

From niche fandom to mass market trend

Walk into any mainstream jewelry store today and you will see at least one cat ring on display. There is usually a tiny cute cat face wrapped around an open ring, maybe a paw print engraved on a thin band, sometimes a tiny fish charm. The materials follow the usual commercial recipe : sterling silver, yellow gold, rose gold, white gold, and plated alloys in silver white or silver black. Some models add a small stone, often white topaz or blue topaz, to justify a higher price usd.

On paper, this looks like a success story. A once niche theme has become a global ring sale category, with every major retailer pushing a new cat ring product during seasonal promotions. You will see banners shouting “sale price” and “ring sale” on collections that mix gold yellow, gold rose, and basic sterling bands. Yet when you talk to people who actually live with cats, a different picture appears.

Designed around aesthetics, not daily cat life

The first wave of cat themed rings was driven by visual trends, not by the realities of cat ownership. Designers focused on what photographs well : a minimalist cat silhouette in yellow or white metal, a glossy black enamel ear, a tiny cat fish motif, or a sparkling topaz cat head. These pieces look charming in a catalog, especially when shot next to a matching pendant or bracelet.

But real cat owners quickly notice the disconnect. Many bands are too sharp or too bulky to be safe when playing with a cat. Raised paw or paw print details can snag on fur or scratch delicate skin. Highly polished solid gold or sterling silver surfaces show every tiny claw mark. Even the popular open and open ring designs, meant to be adjustable, can pinch when a cat suddenly grabs your hand.

In other words, the industry has been selling the idea of a cat more than the experience of living with one. The focus has stayed on what sells quickly at an attractive price or sale price, not on what works for someone who scoops litter, trims claws, and plays with a feather toy every single day.

How e commerce shaped the current cat ring offer

Online marketplaces accelerated this trend. Search for “cat jewelry” and you will be flooded with pages of nearly identical cat ring designs in gold, silver, and plated alloys. Many listings repeat the same formula : a slim band in sterling silver or silver white, a stylized cat ear outline, maybe a tiny white topaz stone, and a heavily discounted price usd to suggest a bargain.

Algorithms reward what clicks and what looks cute in a thumbnail. That means more focus on exaggerated cat ears, oversized paw print motifs, and high contrast finishes like silver black or bright yellow gold. Less attention goes to low profile settings, rounded edges, or metal hardness that can handle the constant contact with claws, toys, and scratching posts.

Even when higher end pieces appear, such as solid gold bands in gold yellow, gold rose, or white gold, the design logic is the same. The cat is a decorative symbol, not a reflection of a life shared with an animal that jumps on counters, kneads your hands, and sometimes bites your fingers mid cuddle.

Emotional meaning reduced to surface level motifs

For many people, a cat themed ring is not just a fashion accessory. It can be a quiet way to honor a long term companion, or to remember a cat that has passed away. Yet the mainstream market rarely goes beyond generic silhouettes and cartoonish faces. There is little room for personalization, subtle symbolism, or designs that echo the deeper bond between human and cat.

Some specialized creators have started to bridge this gap with more thoughtful pieces, often inspired by the same mindset that drives personalized pet memorial gifts for cats. These approaches treat a cat ring less as a novelty and more as a small, wearable story. However, they remain the exception in a market dominated by mass produced motifs and aggressive sale campaigns.

This tension between emotional meaning and surface level design is at the heart of why current cat themed jewelry often fails real cat owners. The next sections will look more closely at how this plays out in everyday wear, why there is still no clear category dedicated to cat owner friendly rings, and what a better, more cat aware approach could look like in terms of materials, shapes, and long term price value.

The gap between cute designs and real cat owner needs

When “cute cat” rings forget the cat

Most cat ring designs are created to look adorable in a product photo, not to survive a day in the life of a real cat owner. The focus is on a cute cat face, a tiny paw print, or a stylized fish motif that looks good on a white background, next to a polished pendant or matching earrings. But once you start scooping litter, opening cans, or playing with a cat who loves to grab your fingers, many of these rings quickly show their limits.

Common issues come up again and again :

• Sharp or raised details that catch on fur, scratch the cat, or snag on fabrics.
• Thin open ring bands that bend easily when you lift a heavy bag of litter or a cat carrier.
• Soft plating on yellow gold or rose gold finishes that wears off fast with frequent hand washing.
• Stones and settings that sit too high, making it easy to bump or loosen a white topaz, blue topaz, or other gemstone.

In many online listings, the ring sale focus is on the visual : a silver black cat silhouette, a gold yellow fish charm, a rose gold open ring that wraps around the finger. The description highlights how “cute” the cat ring looks, but rarely explains how it behaves when you are cleaning a water bowl or clipping a collar with bells. That gap between marketing and reality is where cat owners feel ignored.

Materials that look premium but do not match daily cat life

Another big disconnect lies in the choice of materials. A ring can be beautiful in photos and still be a poor match for someone who spends a lot of time handling a cat, cleaning, or working with their hands.

Typical options you see in cat jewelry :

• Sterling silver and sterling silver plated pieces that tarnish quickly when exposed to cleaning products or frequent washing.
• Yellow gold and white gold plating that fades, especially on open ring designs where the metal flexes.
• Rose gold and gold rose finishes that can discolor faster if you use hand sanitizer often.
• Silver white or silver black coatings that chip when a cat bites or bats at your fingers.

For real cat owners, the more relevant question is not only how the ring looks, but how it holds up. Solid gold, well finished sterling silver, or robust white gold alloys can be a better long term choice, even if the price in usd is higher. Yet many product pages focus only on the sale price, not on how the ring will age when exposed to claws, teeth, and constant washing.

When you compare rings, you often see a list of colors : yellow, white, black, rose. But you rarely see clear information about metal thickness, hardness, or how secure the paw print or cat fish elements are. That is the kind of detail a cat owner actually needs.

Designs that ignore how we interact with our cats

Most cat themed rings are designed as if the wearer will just sit at a desk and type. Real cat owners know that is not how the day goes. You reach under furniture to grab a toy, you hold a squirming cat at the vet, you adjust a cat collar with bells, you clean up spills. All of this puts stress on jewelry.

Yet many designs still feature :

• Long, pointed ears on the cat motif that can poke your cat when you scratch under the chin.
• Delicate open ring structures that spread apart when a cat hooks a claw on them.
• Loose dangling elements like a tiny fish or paw pendant that tempt cats to bite or swat.
• High profile stones such as topaz cat designs with raised blue topaz or white topaz that easily catch on fur.

There is also very little guidance on how to wear these rings safely around cats. For example, a ring with a sharp fish tail or a rough paw print edge can be uncomfortable when you hold a cat close. A more thoughtful approach would consider how the ring feels against fur and skin, not just how it looks in a catalog.

Some brands do talk about practical accessories, like explaining why a cat collar with bells can be both charming and useful. But that same level of practical thinking rarely appears in ring design. The result is a lot of pretty products that do not really support the daily bond between human and cat.

Pricing that values looks over long term use

The way cat rings are priced also shows the gap between cute designs and real needs. Many listings highlight a big ring sale, a reduced sale price, or a flashy price usd tag, but give little context about durability or comfort.

Common patterns include :

• Low price, low durability : thin plated rings that look like solid gold or white gold in photos, but wear down quickly.
• Mid range price with vague specs : sterling silver or sterling silver plated rings where the exact metal content or coating thickness is unclear.
• Higher price without functional benefits : a solid gold or gold yellow ring that is still sharp, snag prone, or uncomfortable for daily cat care.

For cat owners, value is not only about how many usd you pay. It is about whether the ring can stay on your hand while you clean, play, and cuddle without constant worry. A slightly higher price for a well finished, smooth, and sturdy design can be a better investment than a cheaper piece that you end up removing every time you interact with your cat.

Until brands start to connect price with real world performance, cat owners will continue to feel that most rings are made for photos and quick sales, not for the long term relationship they have with their cats.

Motifs that stay generic instead of personal

Finally, there is a big emotional gap. Many cat rings use the same generic symbols : a simple paw print, a cartoon cute cat face, a tiny fish outline. These are charming, but they rarely reflect the specific bond between a person and their cat.

Real cat owners often look for details that feel more personal :

• A paw print that matches the size or style of their own cat’s paw.
• A subtle cat fish or topaz cat motif that reminds them of a favorite toy or habit.
• Color choices that echo their cat’s fur or eye color, like silver white for a light coated cat or silver black for a dark one.
• Options to choose between yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, or sterling silver to match existing jewelry they wear every day.

Instead, many products are built to appeal to the widest possible audience, which often means the designs stay shallow. The result is a market full of rings that say “cat” in a very generic way, but do not feel like they were made for someone who actually lives with a cat, knows their quirks, and wants to carry that story on their hand.

Until designers start from the daily reality of cat owners, rather than from what looks good in a quick product shot, the gap between cute designs and real needs will stay wide, no matter how many new rings appear on sale each season.

Why there is still no dedicated category for cat owner jewellery

Why mainstream jewelry still treats cat rings as a novelty

When you start looking for a cat ring as a real cat owner, you quickly notice something ; most brands still treat it as a joke gift. The focus is on quick ring sale moments, not on how you actually live with a cat every day. Search results are full of random cute cat shapes, paw print outlines, or a tiny fish charm, but almost nothing is designed for someone who scoops litter, trims claws, and gets surprise pounces at 3 a.m.

Retailers usually group these pieces under generic categories like “animal jewelry” or “fun rings”. There is no real product thinking behind them. A gold or sterling silver band with a cat motif is treated the same way as a dolphin or butterfly ring. The result ; cat owners get designs that look nice in a photo but are uncomfortable, unsafe around claws and fur, or simply not meaningful enough to wear every day.

How pricing and materials ignore daily wear by cat owners

Another part of the problem is how price and materials are handled. You will see a wide spread of price usd from low cost plated pieces to high end solid gold rings, but the logic is usually driven by fashion trends, not by cat owner needs.

• Entry level pieces ; often thin plated silver white or silver black rings, sometimes an open ring with a tiny paw or cat fish detail. They are cheap at first sale price, but the plating wears off fast when you are washing bowls or cleaning litter boxes.
• Mid range ; sterling silver or yellow gold vermeil, sometimes with white topaz or blue topaz stones in a paw print or “topaz cat” shape. These can be beautiful, but the settings often snag on fur or scratch a cat during play.
• High end ; solid gold in yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold (sometimes marketed as gold yellow, gold rose). The rings are priced like classic fine jewelry, yet the designs are still generic silhouettes that do not reflect the bond with a specific cat.

In all these ranges, the ring is rarely tested for how it behaves when a cat kneads your hand, grabs your finger, or rubs its face against the band. The sale strategy is built around metal type and gemstone, not around the daily life of a cat household.

Why emotional meaning is missing from most cat rings

For many people, a cat is family. Yet most cat ring jewelry on the market does not carry the emotional weight that cat owners are looking for. You might find a matching pendant and ring set with a stylized cat outline, or a print of a generic paw, but there is little space for personalization, memory, or grief.

This gap becomes very clear when you compare rings with more thoughtful memorial pieces. For example, some specialized brands now offer heart shaped urn jewelry that can hold a tiny amount of ashes or fur, creating a unique tribute in jewelry for a beloved cat. That level of intention is still rare in ring design. Most cat ring collections stop at surface level cuteness instead of acknowledging that a ring can be a quiet daily reminder of a living companion or a cat that has passed.

Without a dedicated category for true cat owner rings, brands keep repeating the same formula ; a small silhouette, a black enamel nose, maybe a white or blue topaz eye, and a standard band. The emotional story, the way the product fits into a life shared with a cat, and the practical realities of wear are all left out of the design brief.

How generic categorization hides the best options

Even when better designs exist, they are hard to find. A thoughtful open ring in sterling silver with a low profile paw print, or a discreet white gold band with a tiny engraved cat silhouette, often ends up buried under broad filters like “animal rings” or “fashion jewelry”.

On many sites, filters focus on metal color only ; yellow, white, rose, silver, black. You can choose yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold, maybe sort by price usd or look for a ring sale, but you cannot filter for “designed for pet owners” or “safe for daily wear with pets”. This generic approach makes it difficult for cat owners to compare options in a meaningful way, and it keeps the market stuck in a novelty mindset instead of evolving into a serious, well defined category of cat owner jewelry.

What a true cat owner ring category should include

Core features that move beyond “cute cat” aesthetics

A real cat owner ring category should start from daily life with a cat, not from a generic cute cat sketch. That means every ring, whether in sterling silver, solid gold, or mixed metals, needs to balance comfort, safety, and emotional meaning.

• Comfortable, low snag profiles
  Settings must sit low enough so they do not catch on fur, blankets, or scratching posts. High prongs around white topaz or blue topaz stones might look impressive in a catalog, but they are a problem when you are cleaning a litter box or playing with a feather toy.
• Cat safe silhouettes
  Sharp ears, claws, or tail shapes on a cat ring can scratch a cat’s skin. A true cat owner category should favor rounded silhouettes, smooth paw print details, and soft curves, even on more dramatic open ring designs.
• Durable metals for real wear
  Daily life with a cat involves water, cleaning products, and a lot of hand washing. Metals like sterling silver, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold should be clearly labeled, with realistic information about how they handle scratches and tarnish. Plated silver white or silver black finishes need honest notes about longevity.
• Designs that work with other jewelry
  Many cat owners stack rings or pair a ring with a favorite pendant. A dedicated category should show how a cat themed band pairs with a simple gold band, or how a black enamel paw detail sits next to a plain white band.

Styles that reflect real relationships with cats

Most current collections stop at a generic cute cat face. A serious cat owner ring category should offer styles that mirror the many ways people live with and love their cats.

• Subtle everyday bands
  Thin bands with a tiny paw print, a discreet cat fish motif, or a small fish charm can be worn at work without feeling childish. These can be offered in white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold, with clear price usd information for each metal.
• Story driven gemstone rings
  Gemstones like white topaz or blue topaz can be used to represent a cat’s eye color or personality. A topaz cat design, for example, might place two small stones as eyes in a minimal outline, available in gold yellow, gold rose, or classic sterling silver.
• Memorial and milestone pieces
  There is a real need for rings that mark adoptions, anniversaries, or the loss of a beloved cat. This can include bands engraved with a name, a date, or a tiny paw symbol, offered in both budget friendly sterling silver and higher end solid gold.
• Matching sets with pendants
  Many owners want a coordinated look. A ring with a paw print could be paired with a matching pendant, or a cat fish motif could appear on both a band and a necklace. A dedicated category should clearly group these as one product family.

Transparent pricing and clear material options

Cat owners are often careful shoppers. They compare every price, every sale price, and every metal option before they commit. A real cat owner ring category should respect that.

• Side by side metal comparisons
  Each ring should show its price usd for sterling silver, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold where available. If a design comes in silver black or silver white finishes, that should be clearly explained, including how it affects durability.
• Honest ring sale labeling
  When a ring sale is promoted, the original price and the new sale price in usd should be visible. Cat owners are used to comparing vet bills and food costs ; they will notice if the discount looks artificial.
• Realistic expectations for wear
  Descriptions should explain how a yellow or black enamel detail might wear over time, or how a polished white band will show scratches. This builds trust and reduces disappointment after the sale.

Functional details tailored to cat life

Finally, a true cat owner ring category should acknowledge the messy, playful, and sometimes chaotic reality of living with cats.

• Secure but comfortable open ring designs
  A well designed open ring can adjust slightly for swelling fingers, but it must not catch on fur or toys. Ends should be rounded, and any print or paw detail should be smooth to the touch.
• Easy to clean surfaces
  Rings that will be worn while scooping litter or grooming a cat should avoid deep crevices where dirt collects. Even decorative cat fish or paw print patterns can be designed with shallow relief so they rinse clean.
• Options for sensitive skin
  Some owners react to certain alloys. A dedicated category should highlight hypoallergenic choices, such as specific white gold or solid gold alloys, and clearly distinguish them from standard sterling silver mixes.

When these elements come together, a cat owner ring category stops being a random mix of cute cat motifs and becomes a focused collection that respects both the wearer and the animal they love.

Design principles for safe and cat-friendly rings

Shape, size, and comfort come first

For a real cat owner, a ring is not just a pretty piece of jewelry. It has to survive litter scooping, food prep, grooming sessions, and surprise zoomies across your hands. That means the basic shape and size of a cat ring must prioritize comfort and safety before anything else.

• Low profile settings – Tall settings that lift a stone high above the band might look luxurious in white gold or rose gold, but they are magnets for fur, snagging on blankets, scratching your cat’s face, or catching on a collar. A low, smooth setting for white topaz, blue topaz, or any gemstone is far safer.
• Rounded edges and inner band – The inner side of the band should be gently rounded, especially on sterling silver and solid gold designs. Sharp inner edges can dig into your skin when you lift your cat or clean the litter box.
• Moderate band width – Very thin bands in yellow gold or silver white can bend easily when you grab a heavy carrier. Very wide bands can trap moisture and irritate the skin. A balanced width is more practical for daily wear.
• Secure but flexible fit – An open ring design can be convenient, but it must be engineered so it does not catch on fur or open further under pressure. If the open part is near a paw print or cat fish motif, it should be smooth and slightly curved inward.

Materials that respect both skin and fur

Cat owners wash their hands more often than average, handle cleaning products, and constantly touch fur and skin. The metal and finish of a ring must handle this reality without irritating you or your cat.

• Hypoallergenic metals – Sterling silver and solid gold (yellow gold, white gold, or rose gold) are usually safer for sensitive skin than cheap plated alloys. If a product description does not clearly state “sterling silver” or “solid gold,” be cautious, no matter how attractive the sale price looks.
• Durable finishes – Black or silver black coatings can look striking on cat rings, but low quality plating chips quickly under frequent washing. Look for clear information on thickness and type of plating, especially if the price usd seems too low for the claimed material.
• Non toxic and smooth surfaces – Any colored detail, from yellow enamel to black paw print accents, should be lead free and nickel safe. Rough textures may trap dirt and dander, which is not ideal when your cat rubs their face against your hand.

Safe motifs and details for daily cat contact

Many cat ring designs focus on cute cat faces, tiny fish, or exaggerated ears. These details can easily become hazards if they are too sharp or protruding.

• Softly modeled cat shapes – Ears, whiskers, and tails should be rounded, not needle sharp. A topaz cat with pointed ears in white or yellow metal might look elegant, but it can scratch your cat’s eye if they nuzzle your hand.
• Embedded rather than dangling elements – A fixed paw print or cat fish motif on the band is safer than a loose pendant or charm that swings. Dangling parts can hit your cat’s nose or get caught in fur.
• Protected stones – Claw settings for white topaz or blue topaz should be low and smooth. Overly exposed prongs can pull fur or scratch delicate skin, especially around your cat’s ears and cheeks.

Practical durability for real life with a cat

Durability is not just about how long the ring lasts. It is about how it behaves during the messy, repetitive tasks that come with cat care.

• Resistance to frequent washing – Rings in sterling silver, silver white, or gold yellow should withstand soap and water without rapid tarnish. If a ring sale highlights a very low price but does not mention any protective finish, expect faster wear.
• Secure construction – Open ring designs must be tested so they do not deform when you lift a scratching post or open a heavy litter bag. Solder points on cat ears, paw print details, or fish shapes should be reinforced.
• Clear maintenance guidance – A trustworthy product listing explains how to clean sterling silver, white gold, or rose gold safely, and how often. This is especially important when you are constantly switching between cat food, cleaning sprays, and hand soap.

Honest product information and realistic pricing

Safe and cat friendly design is not only about the physical ring. It also depends on how clearly the product is described and priced.

• Transparent material labeling – A listing should clearly state if the ring is sterling silver, solid gold, or plated. Terms like “gold rose” or “gold yellow tone” without “solid” or “plated” are red flags, especially when the price usd is very low.
• Realistic price ranges – A genuine solid gold cat ring with white topaz or blue topaz will not have the same sale price as a simple silver black plated band. When a ring sale looks too good to be true, it often hides cheaper base metals.
• Detailed photos and scale – Clear images that show how the ring looks on a hand help you judge whether the cat, paw, or fish details are too sharp or bulky for daily interaction with your cat.

Designing for different cat owner lifestyles

Not every cat owner lives the same way. A safe, cat friendly ring category should acknowledge that and offer options that match different routines and budgets.

• Minimalist everyday rings – Simple bands in sterling silver or white gold with a subtle paw print or tiny cute cat outline are ideal for people who clean, groom, and play with their cat all day.
• Statement pieces for special moments – More elaborate designs with topaz cat motifs, cat fish details, or mixed metals like silver white and gold rose can be reserved for occasions when you are not elbow deep in litter or cleaning products.
• Adjustable and open ring options – Carefully engineered open rings can help when your fingers swell or shrink, but they must still follow all the safety rules above to avoid catching on fur or scratching your cat.

When brands treat these principles as non negotiable, a cat ring stops being just another cute product on sale and becomes a trustworthy companion in the daily life you actually share with your cat.

How brands and creators can finally serve real cat owners

Building real collaboration with cat owners

Brands that want to serve real cat owners need to start by listening. Not to generic “pet lover” surveys, but to people who scoop litter at 6 a.m., trim claws, and know exactly how a curious cat reacts to a dangling pendant or an open ring that catches the light.

Useful steps include :

• Running small interviews with cat owners who actually wear cat rings daily
• Collecting feedback on comfort, durability, and how the product behaves when playing with a cat
• Testing prototypes in real homes, not just in a studio

This is how you discover that a delicate cat ring with a raised paw print might look cute in photos, but can snag on blankets or fur. Or that a sharp cat fish charm is a problem when a cat bats at your hand.

Designing collections around real life, not just aesthetics

To finally serve cat owners, brands need collections that reflect daily routines. That means offering several styles of rings and matching pieces of jewelry that balance beauty, safety, and practicality.

For example, a thoughtful collection might include :

• A low profile sterling silver band with a subtle paw or paw print engraving
• A smooth open ring design that avoids sharp edges and sits close to the finger
• A more luxurious solid gold or white gold cat ring with bezel set stones like white topaz or blue topaz so claws cannot catch on prongs
• Coordinated pieces such as a small fish or cat fish pendant that does not dangle too low when a cat jumps into your lap

Each piece should be tested for how it feels when you pick up a cat, clean a bowl, or play with a teaser toy. The goal is simple : jewelry that celebrates a cute cat without getting in the way of caring for them.

Offering transparent materials, pricing, and safety information

Trust grows when brands are clear about what they sell. Cat owners want to know exactly what metal touches their skin and their cat’s fur, and what they get for the price they pay.

Helpful product pages should clearly state :

• Metal type : sterling silver, silver white, silver black, yellow gold, gold yellow, rose gold, gold rose, or white gold
• Stone type : for example white topaz, blue topaz, or other gems used in a topaz cat design
• Finishing details : coatings, plating, and how they may wear over time
• Safety notes : whether edges are rounded, how high stones sit, and how the ring behaves around active cats

Pricing should also be honest and easy to compare. If a ring sale is promoted, the sale price and original price usd or usd value should be visible, so cat owners can judge whether the ring sale is real value or just marketing.

Creating inclusive styles for different tastes and budgets

Real cat owners are not one type of person. Some want a minimal silver white band with a tiny print of a paw. Others dream of a statement solid gold cat ring with a sparkling topaz cat motif. Brands that only offer one look miss most of the community.

A more inclusive approach could include :

• Entry level pieces in sterling silver or silver black with clean, engraved paw print details
• Mid range designs in yellow gold, gold yellow, or rose gold with small bezel set stones like white topaz
• Premium solid gold or white gold pieces with carefully set blue topaz or mixed stones, still keeping a low profile for daily wear
• Adjustable open ring options for people whose fingers change size or who prefer a lighter feel

By covering this range, brands respect both the emotional bond with a cat and the financial reality of different households.

Making durability and maintenance part of the promise

Cat owners wash hands often, clean litter boxes, and handle food and water bowls. A ring that tarnishes quickly or loses stones after a few months is not just disappointing ; it feels like the brand did not respect their daily life.

To truly serve this audience, creators should :

• Choose metals like sterling silver, white gold, or solid gold that can handle frequent washing
• Avoid fragile prong settings on white topaz or blue topaz stones in favor of bezel or flush settings
• Provide clear care instructions for silver, gold, and mixed metal rings

Durability is not a luxury feature for cat owners ; it is a basic requirement.

Using honest visuals that show real wear

Finally, brands can build trust by showing how a cat ring looks after weeks or months of use. Instead of only polished studio shots, include photos of the ring on a hand that is actually petting a cat, filling a bowl, or playing with a toy.

Showing how yellow, white, black, and rose metal tones age over time, or how an open design sits on the finger, helps cat owners make informed choices. It also signals that the brand understands that this is not just another fashion accessory ; it is a daily companion in a shared life with a cat.