Hello Chicago Black Cat community! Let’s get into this small business shop guide but before I do, I want to give you a little background since I haven't written a blog post in awhile. I’m Andrea, a stay-at-home cat and toddler mom to Mikita, Dahlia and Ravi and human daughter, Scarlett. I made the shift to staying at home full time when I quit my job of 14 years back in August 2022.
I’ve had a lot of support from my CBC family, many people following along since adopting our first fur baby in 2014, the original Chicago Black Cat, Mikita! Because Small Business Saturday is November 26, 2022 I wanted to share some of my favorite brands as well as brands that the CBC community sent in.
Although I wasn't able to include every shop that was submitted, I appreciate everyone who took the time to send in a recommendation! I put together a list that I hope helps you find something fun and unique, whoever you’re shopping for. Let’s get into it!
This guide includes some affiliate links where I may receive commission if you purchase through the link.
Chicago Black Cat
Follow @chicagoblackcat.shop
Starting this off with my own shop, Chicago Black Cat! Seeing your kitties with my handmade cat mats, toys, scarves and stickers warms my heart. I work on small collections and launches often selling out, but stick around, there's always another drop right around the corner! As I navigate being a designer and shop owner, I am constantly learning what people are wanting to see more of. My focus is designing something unique and useful that looks great even when your cat isn't using it! Thank you for your support. Follow our cats @chicagoblackcat.
BagsymineStore
Follow @batmanscatcave
I've had some requests for natural cat toy recommendations and stumbled upon BagsymineStore. From felt toys and beds to other colorful and natural tone gifts, this shop is full of cute wool designs!
Crochet Kitty
Follow @crochetkittyllc
Cat toys with a fun personality! Crochet Kitty sells online and has a storefront in Parma, Ohio. Colorful bears, pie slices and music focused toys, mats and gifts handmade in the USA.! They also make sure lots of kitties have the chance to play by donating toys to rescues!
Mau
Follow @mau.pets
Cat furniture that fits in with your home decor? Yes, please! Mau does an amazing job designing their neutral cat trees, shelves, scratchers and beds. From two, three and even four tier trees, there is room for multiple cats! Even cooler, Mau supports animal welfare and environmental conservation organizations including one tree planted for every purchase.
Woof and Wonder
Follow @woofandwonder
We might be cat people but we are also dog people! Woof and Wonder is a super fun online shop with a sense of humor. If you're looking for a gift to make you smile, this is the place. My personal favorite, the Poo Buddy, is a waste bag holder that can clip to your dog's leash. Hysterical and useful which is the best kind of gift. They have lots of fun items for humans and dogs, including personalization. Check them out!
The Public Pet
Follow @thepublicpet
The Public Pet carries handmade and local cat and dog accessories, treats and more in their Honolulu, HI store. Their eclectic vibe and focus on carrying individual artist's goods is pretty cool! They have an online shop and carry apparel, stationery, pins and stickers for humans too! Be sure to check out their "Made in Hawaii" section.
Pure Primal
follow @pureprimalpet
We're big fans of single ingredient healthy treats and our cats can't resist these from Pure Primal! We always buy a few as gifts because we know that cats and dogs love them. If you're looking to support a small business and offer a healthier treat to your fur baby, these are a gem!
Northern Whiskers
Follow @northernwhiskers
This cute online Canadian cat focused shop has fun printed cat bowties and toys! Northern Whiskers offers bowties with different attachment options which is great for cats who already wear a collar or for cats who don't. They carry lots of different collections for different interests and holidays! In case you're wondering, they do ship to the US!
Lucia Katt
Follow @luciakattco
Super cute colorful cat stickers, toys, apparel and more! Lucia Katt stocks their shop with adorable gift items. They do sell out so be sure to grab your favorites before they're gone! Their cat gift boxes are really fun with a selection of stationery, stickers and a cat toy, ready to give to your favorite cat person. The shop owner also has an adorable cat named Bruce @mrwillisthecat.
Birds of a Sweater
Follow @birtsofasweater
Birds of a Sweater is an online shop with the cutest handmade bird toys for cats made from upcycled sweaters. These birdies just look cozy! In addition to that, this shop carries kicker toys, magnets and stickers. Make sure to check out the "Gallery" tab to see the colony of feral cats they care for. Additionally, a portion of all sales is donated to help with sponsoring spays and neuters for outdoor cats in central Wisconsin.
Cat School
Follow @cat.school
Cat training made easy with Cat School. Whether you want to teach your cat "fist bump" or get them used to a harness, Cat School has amazing resources! Easy to follow instructions are included in their clicker training kit. When we were looking for a safer harness for our cat, Ravi, we went with Cat School's vest style. Free resources are available on Cat School's Instagram and courses on their website. The clicker training kit is available on Amazon which makes it easy if you're outside of Canada. Have fun with this one! Training is exciting for cats and humans.
Sheer Fun for Cats
Follow @sheerfun
Sheer Fun for Cats has been one of Mikita's favorite toys for years! It's a sheer blanket that can be paired with almost any toy to create more of a fun hunting experience. If your cat loves being a part of making your bed, they'll love this! We always keep Sheer Fun in a drawer and pull it out every now and then. Mikita absolutely loses his mind when he sees it. He goes into panther mode and feels invisible behind his sheer curtain. Check out their Instagram for all the fun ways cats are enjoying their Sheer Fun!
Contempo Cat
Follow @contempocat
Made in the USA and built to last, Contempo Cat makes some solid and cool cat furniture. We've had the Elevation II for several years and it's as sturdy as the day we received it! Due to rising costs, unfortunately Contempo Cat will be closing on 11/26/2022. This makes us sad as we've loved watching out cats enjoy their tree. If you have always wanted to shop at Contempo Cat, this is your last chance to snag something!
Made After Hours
Follow @madeafterhours
Two designers creating beautiful gifts with a very clever name, Made After Hours. These hand-carved block prints are gifts for people and I think cat-loving people would love this creativity. Make sure to check out their Instagram account for more details about how they create their prints and their next DIY projects!
Nori Lux Candle Co
Follow @noriluxcandleco
Nori Lux Candle Co is super chic and has a sense of humor which always makes things more fun! If you're a cat person, you likely have that one shelf where you can place a candle safely. We definitely do! Not only do they have the option to select the scent you like, they have an in person candle bar in Seattle, WA. They work with different organizations on "Candles for a Cause."
Beardbangs
Follow @beardbangs
Beardbangs is a handmade ceramics shop in Toronto, Canada. They have a very cool design look with a focus on cat themed items. Their cat planters are super cute and clever, the way the legs fit perfectly into the art. If you love cats and plants, this is the shop for you!