Adam Ellis - Tiny Hats on Cats: Because Every Cat Deserves to Feel Fancy

M axwell was dirty and terrified when I first met him, hunched in the corner of his kennel cage at the animal shelter, his eyes wide with alarm. Id brought my black cat Peppercorn in for a checkup, and while she was with the vet I decided to check out the available cats in the showroom. Id been thinking about getting a second kitten for Peppercorn to play with. I noticed Maxwell, trying in vain to make himself as small as possible behind his food dish. I asked about him, and when the shelter worker brought him out I noticed he was missing one of his front legs.

Several black stitches poked out of the nub that remained. He came in yesterday with a paralyzed leg, so we had to chop it off, the worker told me matter-of-factly. Were not sure how he lost it. Youre actually the first person to ask to hold him all day. People see hes missing a limb and move on to other cats. Every muscle in Maxwells body was tense as I held him, like a scared rabbit. Every muscle in Maxwells body was tense as I held him, like a scared rabbit.

He gazed around the room nervously, but he didnt struggle to get away. I petted him awhile, and after a few minutes he relaxed, even starting to purr in my arms. When he looked up at me with his big Disney eyes, I knew I was going to be taking him home with me. He spent the better part of two weeks hiding under my bed, only venturing out when he heard the sound of a sardine can opening. But eventually, little by little, he started to cautiously explore my bedroom, then the living room, and finally the kitchen. It took a couple of months before he was really comfortable in his new home, but now hes the sweetest, most affectionate cat Ive ever met.

Hes actually a little too comfortable, if you ask me. I might make him get a job soon, but I digress. In addition to being a sweetheart, Maxwell is also incredibly patient. When I found some old leftover construction paper and decided it would be funny to make him a paper top hat, he actually sat still when I put it on his head and took a photo. I put it on Instagram and it was surprisingly popular, so I decided to make a few more. Tiny Hats on Cats was born. Tiny Hats on Cats was born.

This book is the amalgamation of the Tiny Hats project. I couldnt have done it without the help of Maxwell (and Pepper, even though shes never been as patient with hatsshed rather eat them than wear them, but I can occasionally convince her to cooperate with treats). Enjoy!