What inspired the name Kitty Crush? Was it a specific rescue cat?

They say humans don’t own cats—cats own humans.
That realization hit me at 2:00 a.m., while I was squeezed onto the last sliver of mattress my cats, Prue and Phoebe, graciously allowed me to have.

Where Kitty Crush Began

Kitty Crush LLC didn’t start as a t-shirt brand.
Originally, it was meant to be a digital product company.

On the day I adopted Phoebe and Prue, ideas poured in:

• A digital cat planner
• Adoption cards for animal shelters
• Printable resources for cat lovers

But as Phoebe and Prue settled into their new home, their personalities blossomed—and so did my vision.

Watching their daily antics changed everything. I realized I didn’t just want to create products. I wanted to build a brand that captured:

• The magic of living with cats
• The hilarious chaos they bring
• The deep love we feel for them

I wanted something I could wear—with style, heart, and soul.

Kitty Crush LLC was reborn, inspired by the two tiny, demanding tigers who now run my life.

And honestly? After realizing my favorite t-shirt still didn’t express just how much I love my cats… I knew I had to make my own.

Meet the Muses: The Heart of the Brand

Phoebe and Prue are the reason Kitty Crush exists.

I adopted them in October, during my favorite season—Fall 🍂

Phoebe

• Calico kitty
• Very talkative
• Endless energy

Prue

• Long-haired black kitty
• Shy and loves hiding
• Startled by the doorbell
• Extremely affectionate once she feels safe

They inspired me to shift my business into something more personal, more joyful, and more me.

The Connection: A Lifelong Love for Cats

My love for cats started long before Phoebe and Prue.

When I was a child, a cat appeared near our apartment. I named her Gumdrops—sometimes her fur looked pinkish in the sunlight.

Gumdrops:

• Ran beside me when I rode my bike
• Walked with me around the neighborhood
• Visited me almost every day

One day, she stopped coming.
Later, I found her. She had passed away.

I was devastated.

In my childlike way, I decided then and there that I would protect all the cats in the world.
That’s impossible, of course, but I can help by supporting and donating to organizations that rescue and care for cats.

That promise still lives inside Kitty Crush today.

So… Why the Name Kitty Crush?

Maybe it represents that overwhelming crush you feel when you see a cute kitty 🐱💕

Or maybe it’s simpler than that.

Truthfully?
I used a business name generator.

Sometimes magic shows up in unexpected ways—and the name stuck.

The “Kitchen Table” Days: Learning Through the Struggle

Here’s the truth:
I don’t know how to draw. (Yet!)

So I asked myself: How am I going to bring my cat t-shirts to life?

In the beginning, I:

• Subscribed to Creative Fabrica
• Searched for print-on-demand graphics
• Used Kittl to create designs

But something felt off. I felt disconnected from the art.

After reflecting on my path, I made a decision:
I would learn how to draw cats myself.

That led me to join the Happy Creator’s Collective, where I’m currently learning to draw cats in the kawaii style.

I’m also learning how to press transfers onto shirts—and wow, the struggle was real:

• Transfers wouldn’t stick
• Time, temperature, and pressure were all wrong
• I tested different transfer companies
• I tried multiple t-shirt blends

I’m still not an expert—but I am having fun, and that matters.

Early Wins & Growing Pains

My first sales came from family and friends, and I’m incredibly grateful for their support.

I know I’m a new brand, which means:

• I need to earn trust
• I’m still learning social media
• I’m experimenting with what to post
• I plan to sell at markets to build awareness

Running a business is new to me, but I truly learn something new every single day.

What We Stand For: The Kitty Crush Pillars

🐾 Quality First
I sell t-shirts and hoodies that I would actually wear.

🎨 Artist-Driven
I’m learning how to draw cats, and I’m embracing the challenge with gratitude.

💖 Giving Back
My goal is to donate to organizations that help rescue, protect, and care for cats.

Looking Forward

This blog marks the beginning of a new chapter.

It’s a space to:

• Connect more deeply with the cat community
• Share my journey as a small business owner
• Celebrate life with cats—messy, magical, and full of love

I’ve shared my story—now I’d love to hear yours.

Who was the first cat you ever fell in love with?
Tell us in the comments below 🐾

Stay pawsome,
Miru 💕🐱