A bizarre, if vaguely morbid, fashion accessory called “One off glamour puss purse” has been listed for sale by our friends across the ditch – yes, it’s a handbag made from a dead ginger cat.
The collector’s item, which has been listed on New Zealand’s TradeMe site with a starting price of $1400 (free shipping), was apparently crafted by professional taxidermist Clare Hobbs.
The sales pitch is pure poetry:
“A very stylish handbag …for the girl that has everything a one off purse that will grab attention where ever you go
This handbag will last for years and years as long as it is looked after.
The purse strap is easily changed to suit your taste….
“This is not for the faint-hearted…….
No animals were killed or hurt to create this piece “
A lap bag? PHOTO: trademe.co.nz
And the questions from potential buyers that weren’t outraged are hilarious:
Q: Has the cat been spayed as I don’t need a lot of coin purses running a muck (sic)
A: of coarse (sic) it ain’t been spayed its a feral ginger
Q: How much to have myself made into a bag? Probably around 50 years from now by estimate.
A: Free ….u donate with proof of natural death and we will help
Q: Hey Have you got any dolphins instock?
A: only orcas
Beyond the jokes and the admiration for the taxidermy work done there was, of course. also great disgust expressed and outrage that the cat didn’t get a decent burial.
“This is sick and disgusting. Shame on you. I hope the money you get for this leads to bad karma you sicko.”
That is sick !! I love animals and you are totally disrespecting them !!!”
A spokesperson for Trade Me, Logan Mudge, spoke to Stuff.co.nz about this unusual listing. “’It is certainly a statement bag and while it’s not for me, we suspect there will be a buyer out there who is keen. This is a pretty unusual bag and we expect the auction will attract a lot of attention over the next few days.” .
Save Animals From Exploitation director, Hans Kriek, told Stuff that although the cat either died of natural causes or was euthanised (the sale site says the tom was run over by a car), the bag is “disrespectful” and “in poor taste”. Kriek then asks: “Is turning a cat into a handbag any worse than turning an elephant’s foot into an umbrella stand?”
Is it?
