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Cats are like the cat’s meow right now in fashion. You have Karl Lagerfeld’s white kitty and Grace Coddington’s kitty. Crazy cat print tanks at Urban Outfitters…those fab Charlotte Olympia black cat flats, and what about the cute cat in the Jason Wu for Target collection! Cat’s are everywhere. So how can you inject a little feline into your life? Whether you’re a model and you need to take a photo with a cat or you’re not a model and just want to take a few photographs with the family’s adorable feline, here are my tricks for how to take a picture with a cat featuring my very own little rescue panther.

1. MAKE SURE KITTY IS WARMED UP
Some cats like mine have a tendency to be bitchy. He’s acting like he doesn’t love the spotlight when you know he does. You’ve seen in make cameo appearances in some of my other photos. I have no idea why he’s being so mean now. Anyway, give kitty time to get comfortable in front of the camera.

2. GIVE KITTY THINGS TO PLAY WITH
Cats love strings and balls. Things that jingle. Just like babies, cats need something bright and shiny to distract them enough to take a good picture. This is kitty’s favorite ball, but he’s definitely not interested at the moment. Oh well. Just keep trying.

3. LET KITTY MAKE HIS POUTY FACE
I love a feline with personality. This facial expression may not be exactly what you’re going for, but you can make it work. See what the cat’s doing and go along with him. He’ll appreciate that you’re taking your cues from him.

4. GIVE KITTY TREATS
Everyone needs to know that he or she is doing a good job. This kind of work is demanding. You can get burnt out quickly. Make sure your cat gets treat and positive reinforcement that he’s killing it.

5. ALLOW KITTY TO USE YOU AS A JUNGLE GYM
It’s understandable that the cat can’t sit still for the entire shoot. They’re like kids and have a very short attention span. Let the cat roam. If he scratches up your body in the process, don’t worry. The photographer can always retouch the bruises. No biggie!

6. LET KITTY GET HIS CLOSE UP
This is why you exist. To make the cat look good. You are kitty’s accessory, not the other way around. We’re only playing supporting roles in this cat’s world. Make sure the cat has his or her time to shine.

7. SHOW KITTY LOVE
It’s been a long 5 minutes of shooting. You’re both exhausted. But who’s really done all the hard work here? That’s right… kitty. Make sure the cat knows how much you appreciate him waking up from his mid- morning nap to do this. Obviously, you couldn’t have done it without him. Pet him. Sweet talk him. I call my cat Mr. Cuteness when he’s really laying it on thick. He deserves to hear the truth. Life’s hard when you’re so cute.

Good luck shooting with a cat. They’re so feisty and fierce. No one gives better face than a kitty.

See all of my photos with Kitty here.

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