My Leukemic Cat Is A Fashion Icon!
Who needs a high-end wardrobe and an army of stylists when you’ve got this handsome kitty?
This is my cat Hummus. When she was very young she was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia. She is unable to play outside because she may fall ill or spread the virus to the other cats in the neighborhood.
So, every week, I design, create and stage various couture fashion photo shoots in our cat sized studio at home.
We sell prints on our Etsy page. Why not glam up your home with some awesome cat couture prints?!
Hummus was born in December 2007 in a foster home in Convoy, County Donegal, Ireland. She spent most of her time surrounded by the older cats of the home and was the last kitten to be adopted. Hummus was the runt of the litter.
Hummus was adopted at three months and a few years later her health began to deteriorate, she lost a lot of weight and was tired all the time. A short time after, Hummus was diagnosed with Feline Leukemia Virus which meant no outdoors, no bird-chasing and no galavanting with other kitties.
Hummus still leads a very healthy and full life. The virus has not effected her quality of life; she won’t let it and we won’t let it. She chases her toys and teddies around the house all day and loves all of our the attention!
From Runt of the Litter to Catwalk Sensation
I wanted to break into the fashion photography industry with its models, makeup, studios and stylists on demand. But, I did not — and do not — have access to these professionals, services or equipment all the time. So, I did what any normal person would do — I dressed my cat up like a total fashion diva and started taking awesome fashion portraits!
Hummus is the best model to work with. However, she has demands — copious amounts of cat treats.
Haute Cat-ure Photo Shoots
Every week, my partner Karen and I set up our cat-sized photography studio in our home, and preen and dress Hummus for her shoot! We have a lot of fun through the process which has brought us closer together.
The hardest part is deciding on a style and designing the costumes for each shot. Sometimes I use clothes already made and simply alter them with pins and clips so as that they fit the form of Hummus’s body.
For other shots, I draft, design and create a costume from scratch. Each look is inspired by various factors — fashion trends, music, celebs, works of art, films or beloved stories.
Hummus, Karen and I won’t be stopping any time soon. We’ve so many incredible outfits drafted to shoot!
My name is Jason McGroarty and Hummus the cat is my muse. If you like Hummus’ style, buy a piece of it here.
