Who says cats should wear clothes? Carla from Meow Wear, that's who.

I'm sure everyone remembers the cat fashion show earlier this month. Well since GothamUnleashed couldn't make it, I decided to interview Carla Reiss, founder of Meow Wear, which supplied the haute couture and is also possibly the first cat fashion house (these things are always up to debate). Check out the Q&A, and then see her work at mymeowmix.com. It's the cat's pajamas! (sorry couldn't resist.)

When did you start your business? Also where are you located? Meow-Wear started in 2006. Recently, we moved to 80 High Ridge Rd.
Manchester, NH

Why did you start doing cat clothes? I am a veteran designer from the toy industry, developing all kinds of fabric-based products such as plush characters, doll costumes, infant products and gift-related items.  In 2005-06, I designed a line of canine apparel for a company in NJ and later decided that cats needed to get some of the spotlight.

Are New Yorkers more pet style conscious than the rest of the country? I think New Yorkers set the trend for many types of style.  They also are wonderful at perceiving the humor of what I am doing with Meow-Wear.

Is your clothing meant for everyday uses or just when a cat is on the town? The general philosophy of Meow-Wear is to address the particular needs of the owner. Most of the items are for special moments  between the person and his or her cat - snapshot opportunities, special occasions, etc. I do not believe in everyday use of apparel for cats unless there is a good reason for it. For example, one of our cats is a Sphynx.  He wears shirts or sweaters during the cold seasons as he gets chilly without the benefit of a coat. He actually likes the warmth of the garments. I have a number of customers who have requested garments so their cats will stop licking surgical sites or wounds that are being treated by their vet.

How is cat style different than dog style? Cats are not fond of sleeves or any garment that is burdensome to them. Also, some cats need a bit of convincing that cat style enhances their God-given beauty; others enjoy the attention and some simply do not tolerate it at all.  Cats are individualists and that's what's so attractive about them.

What trends are you seeing in the cat fashion industry?
Meow-Wear was the first feline-only apparel company (as far as I know, and so I'm told).Others are now jumping on the bandwagon.I must say that I have fine vendors manufacturing for me, and I believe my quality is superior for the price point(s).

What are your most popular items?
The Black Tie Affair collar is the best seller, closely followed by the Tux and the here Comes the Bride Haute Harnesses. I have had
many brides include their cats in the wedding festivities, and these items are very popular.

What is the equivalent of the little black dress for cats?
I think it depends on the owner's taste. I do make custom garments upon request and many examples of these types of garments are featured when I put on a Meow-Wear fashion show. The most recent one was at The Algonquin Hotel in celebration of Matilda's birthday (Matilda is the resident feline of The Algonquin). The next one will be at The Westchester Cat Show in White Plains, NY
this fall.For details of the show, log onto www.westchester-feline.org.

Is it a faux pas for owners to dress like their cats and vice versa?
Whatever floats your boat, so to speak, as long as the costume does not harm the cat in any way.

Should a cat take into consideration fur color when choosing an outfit?
Absolutely! I think eye color should be enhanced or accented as well as coat color.

Can cats where white after Labor Day?
Cats are the new trend-setters, so they should decide. As for my Sphynx, he leaves ring-around-the-collar on whites, so we stick to darker colors or those that coordinate with his natural oils (despite regular bathing)!