The cats of PR Dispatch
It's no surprise that at PR Dispatch, we're big fans of cats. We consider ourselves fortunate to have the opportunity to work with lots of great independent businesses, many of whom share our love for feline friends. In light of this, we couldn't resist shining a light on our members and the cats that play a vital role in their brands day to day operations.
In this blog post, we catch up with a few of our members to learn more about their furry feline friends and their unique personalities.
BELA AND SANDY
Bela, is the co-founder of the natural haircare brand, Pacaiba. Based in London with Sandy, Pacaiba's mission is to encourage individuals to embrace and celebrate the natural beauty of their hair
When Bela is not hard at work on the business, she can be found spending quality time with her feline friend, Sandy.
Name of cat/age/breed
Sandy, 15. Domestic long hair.
Tell us about Sandy and how she came into your life
Sandy came from the Mayhew animal rescue. Her previous owner had a baby which was allergic to cats and as a result, she no longer had a home! We rescued her in 2019.
How would you describe Sandy in three words?
Charming, beautiful and a scaredy cat!
How does Sandy fit into your workday?
Sandy will watch me from a sofa or chair all day long as I work at my computer. She often has to keep one paw on me for safety and security!
What's Sandy’s funniest habit/pet peeve?
She has a habit of talking throughout the day with weird sounds and chattering often during zoom calls when she doesn’t get as much attention as she wants!
Follow Pacaiba on Instagram here
Browse Pacaiba’s products here
EMILY, ROSY AND LILY
Emily is the founder of The Cotswold Eco Company a family run business offering a carefully curated range of eco-conscious gifts and essentials.
Emily lives and works in Cheltenham with Rosy (8) and Lily (7), they are mum and daughter and are a gorgeous pair of rescue moggies.
Tell us about Rosy and Lily and how they came into your life
Rosy was found in a shed near Heathrow airport, having given birth to four kittens in a tool box; she was aged as being barely a year old herself at the time. Sadly two of the kittens did not survive. One of the kittens, Bruno, was re-homed, and Emily adopted the other kitten (named Cuckoo at the time, renamed Lily).
How would you describe Rosy and Lily in three words?
Rosy is snuggly, demanding and sassy whereas Lily is sweet, beautiful and shy.
How do Rosy and Lily fit into your workday?
They both regularly attend Teams/Zoom meetings, seemingly getting a thrill out of being on camera and very much in the way.
What are Rosy and Lily’s funniest habits / pet peeves?
For odd habits, Rosy is like a puppy in that she LOVES belly rubs (her fur is beautifully soft, so we're happy to oblige) and Lily oddly likes drowning socks in her waterbowl!
Follow The Cotswold Eco Company on Instagram here
Browse The Cotswold Eco Company’s products here
GEORGIE, BUTTONS AND MINSTREL
Georgie is a Yoga Teacher based in Oxford and is also the founder of Yogipod. Georgie founded Yogipod to be a place to inspire calm whether through the products, writings on the journal or guidance through yoga practice. All of the products are hand block printed in Jaipur, India and sewn by Georgie here in the UK making every single piece unique.
Georgie's feline companions, Minstrel and Buttons, are her constant companions, keeping her company while she manages her business.
Name of cat/age/breed
Minstrel, 8 years, Domestic Shorthair & Buttons, 8 years, Domestic Shorthair
Tell us about your cat and how he/she came into your life
They came into our lives through a family friend who had a litter of kittens. As brothers there are probably days when they wish they were pampered solo cats but as you can see they love each other really! They both have their own personalities, Minstrel is more outgoing and independent whereas Buttons is a total cuddler who likes to be carried around.
How would you describe Minstrel and Buttons in three words?
Minstrel – clever, explorative & independent. Buttons – affectionate, chatty & homebody
How does Minstrel and Buttons fit into your workday?
Seeing as they’re cats, however they feel fit. Some days they don’t give me the time of day, others they like to “help” with the invoices (sit on them), “unpack” boxes (sit in them) and “provide” assists in yoga classes (stand on me). Honestly though what they do bring is company, running your own business can be hard and lonely but having little friends around the place that are happy to see you can make the trickier days better.
What's your cat's funniest habit/pet peeve?
Minstrel has adopted the pouffe in the living room as his own and is NOT happy if we deign to put our feet on it! Buttons likes to announce his arrival into any room by making as much noise as possible
Follow Yogipod on Instagram here
Browse Yogipod’s products here
HUIB AND CATTA WALLA
CattaWalla is the resident cat at London's Artisan Perfumers, Pairfum London which combines Luxury in Fragrances with Health & Wellbeing in Room Perfumes.
My name is “CattaWalla” and I am in the in-house Purrfumer at Pairfum London. As most will know, I am superbly qualified for this job and clearly have a better sense of smell than their in-house perfumer, Huib Maat.
They named me “cat sa bhaile”, the Irish for ‘Cat at Home’, but the vets didn’t understand it and now I am called CattaWalla.
You may be surprised to find that I am on social media. I have an Instagram profile and the first followers, even though I am not very active.
I am based at our company’s head office in Englefield Green but this is a loose description as I am an ex-street cat that decided to help out here at the office with some extra Purrfums at the beginning of Covid, March 2020.
Being a stray cat, I am not so sure what age I am but I guess around 10 years. I am a typical male, short haired tabby cat and enjoy socialising with my female friends in the area. Actually, I enjoy socialising and spend most of my days outside.
I am a perfect example of how popular male grooming has become over the years and my shredded ears, crooked leg, bent tail and a broken paw do not distract from this. It is obvious, I am the Champion of my neighbourhood with purrfect manners.
Would you believe it, I now have two passports (a British and EU passport), as one of my hobbies is travelling. Within 2 – 3 days I feel at home in most place and go roaming but easily find my way back.
Follow Pairfum London on Instagram here
Browse Pairfum London’s products here
KATE AND ZIGGY
Kate Walton lives and works in Nunhead - Peckham and is the founder and creative of a wallpaper and art business, Kate Walton Collections. Kate’s products are driven by both her respect for traditional artforms and slowing down of our increasingly fast paced world.
When Kate isn’t working on her beautiful collections she devotes her free time to her beloved feline companion, Ziggy.
How would you describe Ziggy in three words?
Attitude - Snuggly - Feisty
How does Ziggy fit into your workday?
She often sits as close to me as possible or finds a slither of sunlight.
‘‘Ziggy is affectionate, on her terms.’’
What is Ziggy’s funniest habit / pet peeve?
She does a VERY cute appreciative leap just before she's given her food. She also has the tiniest little caw (sound) rather than a meow..
Follow Kate Walton Collections on Instagram here
Browse Kate Walton’s products here
LUCY AND BOBBY
Lucy is the founder and creative director of Plum and Belle which gathers, makes and curates timeless apparel, accessories, homeware and bodycare products that enable you to embrace sustainability without feeling like you're compromising on style or quality.
Lucy, based in London, shares her workspace with her 14 ½ year old rescue cat, Bobby, who provides her with the perfect excuse to take a well deserved break from her computer and enjoy some feline company.
Tell us about Bobby and how he came into your life
We met when I went to The Mayhem, just to discuss with them the possibility of fostering one of their rescue cats. I spent a few minutes with Bob in his enclosure and fell in love with this furry purr machine.
How would you describe Bobby in three words?
Chatty, affectionate, opportunistic.
‘‘Especially when it comes to unattended cheese.’’
How does Bobby fit into your workday?
He reminds me to stop and step away from my desk, generally for a cuddle or to top up his food bowl. He’ll chat up any visitors for a cuddle and he loves to crash a photoshoot.
What's Bobby’s funniest habit/pet peeve?
He loves to sit on the computer keyboard, especially if I’m working on something important with an impending deadline. He seems to sense when I’m on a zoom and decides to start shouting at me to urgently give him treats.
Follow Plum & Belle on Instagram here
Browse Plum & Belle’s products here
FARYAL AND NUTMEG
Faryal is the founder of contemporary fibre accessory brand, Knottinger. Every piece is consciously handcrafted in small batches in Leeds, with Nutmeg overseeing each one.
Nutmeg enjoys keeping Faryal on her toes in all aspects of running Knottinger, particularly getting himself involved in photoshoots.
Name of cat/age/breed
Nutmeg, 5 years, Domestic Shorthair
Tell us about Nutmeg and how she came into your life
Nutmeg was living life on the streets before she came into my care. She was literally wrapped up in a scarf by a resident and handed over to neutering volunteers present in the area where she ‘lived’.
It was in the midst of the pandemic and lockdowns in 2021, I rescued her from Cats Protection in Gildersome and it couldn’t be at a more perfect time!
How would you describe Nutmeg in three words?
Silly, dramatic ‘meowdel’
How does Nutmeg fit into your workday?
Nutmeg is an indoor cat so I don’t take her out into my studio but she absolutely loves to sit on my laptop or walk across it (pressing keys!) when I’m in the middle of some important admin work at home! I tend to get photographs of some of my products at home but it is near impossible when Nutmeg gets curious and then seats herself right in the middle.
What's Nutmeg’s funniest habit/pet peeve?
Funniest habit: Nutmeg is a box hoarder/inspector! She will take anything from big box to tiny boxes. She also needs to give her all clear on the boxes I use to post out to retailers.
Pet peeve: She dislikes being cuddled or carried! Carrying her lasts a few seconds until she zooms off.
Follow Knottinger on Instagram here
Browse Knottinger’s products here
ALICIA AND COCO
Based in Wimbledon Park, SW London, Alicia is the founder of Single Swan an independent women's clothing label. Focusing on high quality and long lasting clothes, Alicia’s collections are versatile, timeless and stylish.
When Alicia isn’t curating her new lookbooks, you’ll find her spending time with her furry sidekick, Coco.
Name of cat/age/breed
Coco, 3 years old, half Bengal
Tell us about Coco and how he came into your life
Coco is our Covid cat, we raced across London from a lovely family to get him before lockdown was put into place.
How would you describe Coco in three words?
Gentle, zen, beautiful
How does Coco fit into your workday?
Coco is head of mindfulness at Single Swan. He can sense when I have an auto-immune flare up and comes and stays close to me.
What is Coco’s funniest habit/pet peeve?
Coco doesn’t like to be by himself. Because he came into our family during covid he is used to having people around. If it’s only me at home he will meow so loudly as he walks around trying to find me. He has a particular meow when looking for me and the family.
‘‘He is named after Coco Chanel.’’
Follow Single Swan on Instagram here
Browse Single Swan’s products here
ALICE AND COOPER
Alice is the Founder + Chief of Wool & Whiskers. Alice knits unique Bow Ties and Suspenders, Ties and Mini Bow Ties in natural, sustainable fibres from a garden studio in Amsterdam where she lives with Cooper.
Wool & Whisker’s products are made for pets with bags of personality, which Cooper certainly has!
Name of cat/age/breed
Cooper, 13, Short Haired British Tabby
Tell us about Cooper and how he came into your life
Cooper was a rescue we adopted from the Celia Hammond Trust in London when he was 9 months old. He essentially chose us as he walked out of his crate onto my husband's shoulders and we were instantly smitten. He had been abandoned by his previous family who had moved house and left him behind.
How would you describe Cooper in three words?
Loving, Gorgeous, Charismatic.
How does Cooper fit into your workday?
Cooper is Wool & Whiskers' official MasCAT, he sleeps snoring beside or behind me in my studio and gives every Bow Tie an approving sniff before I package and ship it.
The Bow Ties were tested on him and his adopted brother Gary (who crossed the Rainbow bridge in January) to ensure the finished design was comfortable and fuss free for cats to wear.
Cooper models the Bow Ties in many of my launch photos and takes his MasCAT role very seriously.
What is Coopers funniest habit/pet peeve?
Cooper snorts when he is happy and content. He also waits patiently for me to go to bed every night, no matter how late I work and then snores loudly, under the covers between my husband and I most nights.
Follow Wool & Whiskers on Instagram here
Browse Wool & Whiskers products here
RACHEL, BATMAN, BAY, FERN AND HOLDEN
Rachel from Bristol is founder and owner of Fat Poppy Cat. Rachel is passionate about reducing the amount of fabric that ends up in landfill and uses up-cycled fabrics to create her beautiful range of products.
She has her hands full with four studio assistants, Batman, Bay, Fern and Holden.
Name of cat/age/breed
Batman, 9 years old, black and white moggy
Tell us about Batman and how he came into your life
Came from gumtree from a couple who couldn’t keep him in their new house.
How would you describe Batman in three words?
Bit stupid really.
How does Batman fit into your workday?
Likes to sit in between me and what I’m working on.
What is Batman’s funniest habit/pet peeve?
Will only drink water from the bath tap, let’s himself into all the neighbours houses!
Name of cat/age/breed
Bay, 9 1/2 years old, tabby with white throat and socks moggy
Tell us about Bay and how he came into your life
Came from gumtree from a couple who couldn’t keep her in their new flat.
How would you describe Bay in three words?
Sleeps a lot.
How does Bay fit into your workday?
Rarely seen as she’s normally asleep on a bed.
What is Bay’s funniest habit/pet peeve?
Loves a good aggressive tummy rub, only drinks water from a glass.
Name of cat/age/breed
Fern, 3 1/2 years old, white with tabby patches moggy
Tell us about Fern and how he came into your life
From a rescue centre, classed as abused. Very undersized, still looks like a kitten.
How would you describe Fern in three words?
Teeny tiny cat.
How does Fern fit into your workday?
Demands attention of extra fusses and throwing the toys about. Generally stopping me from working.
What is Fern’s funniest habit/pet peeve?
When she’s been caught scratching the carpet she falls on the floor and shows you her tummy so you don’t tell her off.
Name of cat/age/breed
Holden, 3 1/2 years old, dark tabby moggy
Tell us about Holden and how he came into your life
From a rescue centre (brother to Fern) Classed as abused. Very undersized, still looks like a kitten.
How would you describe Holden in three words?
Best antidepressant ever.
What is Fern's funniest habit/pet peeve?
Always tempting me to follow him into the garden. Vet thinks he was the runt of the litter so he didn’t develop as normal, we call him Wobbly Bob. Will push all the other cats off the food dishes.
Follow Fat Poppy Cat on Instagram here
Browse Fat Poppy Cat’s products here
MHAIRI AND ALFIE
Mhairi is the Founder and Designer of contemporary patterned homeware and gifts brand, Paper Houses Design. Based in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Mhairi’s products compromise of ethical bold homeware, fashion accessories and gifts., patterned cushions, silk scarves, tote bags and lifestyle products.
Making her curating process a little more interesting is Alfie, her lovely 10 year old cat.
Name of cat/age/breed
Alfie, aged 10. He’s a rescue so not sure of the bread but they thought he was a Russian blue crossed with a domestic short hair.
Tell us about Alfie and how he came into your life
On my 25 birthday I had enough of my house not feeling like a home, I had always had pets when I was younger. So I went to the cats protection and asked if they had an older cat. At the ripe old age of 4 Alfie was classed as old (poor guy). When I met him he hid behind the curtains and only came out for pastrami. I was told he was very grumpy so obviously I loved him straight away and knew he was for me. It turned out he is grumpy but also the mostly sookiest cat ever and loves nothing more than a cuddle.
How would you describe Holden in three words?
Cuddly, Shy, Grumpy
How does Alfie fit into your workday?
When I work at home he’s constantly on my knee. Every PR Dispatch online call he’s there. After a busy day at my studio I come home and he’s right at the door wanting a cuddle.
What is Alfie's funniest habit/pet peeve?
I know it’s bedtime as he comes and looks at me then cries until I follow him to his bed and give him his supper (a couple of treats). He hates loud noises. Which are hard to avoid when there’s a one year old in the house that loves him so much she squeals when she sees him.
SAMANTHA AND WHITE MEOWIE CAT
Based by the sea in Brighton & Hove, Samantha, founder of Childstar Samantha, creates eco-friendly vibrant wall decor and gifts for living rooms, hallways, bedrooms - in fact, for any room!
Samantha, is currently between cats, but wanted to tell us about two of the cats she created and works with everyday on her prints, mugs and gifts.
Name of cat/age/breed
Black Meowie Cat and White Meowie Cat - both 4 yrs old, breed is Chantilly Tiffany
Tell us about White Meowie Cat and how he came into your life
White Meowie Cat was a neighbourhood cat who obviously wanted extra meals so would hang out in my garden for top ups. He won me over with his Bowie lightning bolt make up attempt - although he wasn’t very happy about it. He must’ve told his brother, Black Meowie Cat, because he decided to show up not long after. And now they’re just part of the family.
How would you describe your cats in three words?
Demanding, superior and sassy.
How do your cats fit into your workday?
They’re always at the centre of everything.
What's are your cat's funniest habits/pet peeves?
Black Meowie Cat likes being cosy, nibbling smoked salmon and getting pampered by inferior beings whereas White Meowie Cat likes being different, eating pilchards and throwing shade at inferior beings. So, as said inferior being, I do a lot of running about after them, whilst also being rather harshly judged. They do let me snuggle every now and again, if I’m lucky so it’s all good…
Follow Childstar Samantha on Instagram here
Browse Childstar Samantha’s products here
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