In today’s mass-manufactured consumerist world powered by artificial intelligence (who asked for that?), people can so easily feel impersonal and disconnected. One way to overcome that is by supporting genuine writers, artists, and craftspeople who make one-of-a-kind things. But what about pottery made – by a cat?!! If Momo the cat from Chicago is any indication, people are ready for it!
Images and media via Instagram/feeeuuhh
Pawmade Pottery
Potter Sophia Renata teaches pottery workshops in Chicago, and her work has often featured cat designs. Then, one day, she shared a TikTok showing her one-year-old cat Momo trying his paw at the potter’s wheel. At such a young age, he became a ceramics prodigy.
Images and media via Instagram/feeeuuhh
First, Sophia throws the overall clay vessel shape. Then, Momo playfully adds his purrsonal touches with his paws. At first, he curiously pawed at the base of the clay and the spinning wheel. No surprise there. But as he progressed, Sophia began holding him above the lip of the pot. That way, he’s able to quickly change the overall vessel shape.
His favored tools include soft toe beans and claws to leave an artsy ragged edge.
Other times, he applies paw print colored “slip” of watered down clay to the outside. As Mom holds a brush, he gently guides it with his paw. Is he just playing, or is he truly taking part in a creative and artistic process? Whatever you might think, his work has become highly desirable.
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Video via Instagram/feeeuuhh
Momo Gives Pottery Classes of His Own
With handmade pottery, people are drawn to the imperfections to begin with. It shows it’s handmade and not just a mass-manufactured object. And so it’s not surprising that people love getting a one-of-a-kind pot with a cat’s unique marks, too! While some folks don’t see the appeal, many others do. In fact, Momo and his Mom’s creations quickly sell out.
Momo has also given his own pottery lessons to his sister and apprentice, June.
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Video via Instagram/feeeuuhh
Momo Meowsterpieces
After taking lessons, June the Tabby, occasionally tries her paw at pottery. But it seems he’s the one who really enjoys regularly creating pawmade items. After a hard day’s work, he gets a bath to remove the non-toxic clay from his fur. Unlike many kitties, he enjoys the water, too!
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Video via Instagram/freeuuhh
How Momo Learned Ceramics
Last summer, Sophia got her first potter’s wheel for her home studio. Right away, the kitty became fascinated, and his interest has never stopped.
“I’m incredibly grateful for how many people are passionate about cats and about pottery,” Sophia told The Dodo. “I love pottery and to be able to do that with my cat is really special.”
Video by The Dodo:
What? He’s a Chef Too?
As if becoming a best-selling cat potter isn’t enough for this cute kitten, he’s also learning to be a Chef! There truly is no end to a cat’s paw-tential.
You can see more of Momo, June, Alec, and Sophia on Instagram and TikTok.
“Momo helps Alec in the kitchen.“
