Dear Tabby is written by Tabs the Cat, commonly regarded as “the world’s first plus-size kitty supermodel.” Founded in mid 2012, it has quickly become the most widely syndicated cat advice column on earth — known for its fresh, feline perspective on lifestyle, fashion and style issues affecting cats and humans.
Model’s career decision is crushing him…
DEAR TABBY: I could really use some career advice, and I couldn’t think of a better expert to ask.
I’m a 21-year-old struggling male model, and I recently received the opportunity to do an, um, “spicy” centerfold spread in a national magazine.
I’m torn. Do I take the risk and try to push my career to the next level, even if it means baring a little skin, or do I pass on the job and wait for a better opportunity?
I remember you mentioning that you did a spread for Playcat magazine a few years back. Did you have any reservations at the time, and do you feel like it helped or hurt your career?
Thanks in advance.
— Handsome and Hopeless
DEAR HANDSOME & HOPELESS: Of course I had reservations about the Playcat spread. I think it’s only natural to be a little nervous when you’re baring your tum, but more than that, I was also nervous about what it might mean for my future job prospects.
I didn’t want to end up being known as “that cat” in the kitty modeling world — you know, the one who’ll show off his junk at the drop of a hat.
But it sounds like my situation was a little different than yours. First, I’m a cat. Second, I was already famous before I posed for the magazine. Ultimately, I did it for the fans, and I don’t feel like it hurt my career. As long as it makes people happy, I’ll keep sharing my tum with the world.
You sound like a pretty smart guy. I think you already know what you should do, but my two cents? I say go for it. Opportunities like that don’t come along very often.
As for what the job could do for your career, look at that Kendra gal or Jenny McCarthy. Both of them parlayed similar gigs into bigger opportunities. Good luck!
Start with stripes…
DEAR TABBY: Fashion question for you. I’m a spotted Bengal interested in exploring casual and formal wear, but I’m afraid that the plaid and argyle patterns I’m attracted to will clash with my fur. What are the best ways to wear prints with spotted fur?
— Wondering in Wisconsin
DEAR WONDERING: Sounds like you have an amazing coat. Lucky you!
Personally, I’m a big fan of mixing and matching prints, and I always tell patterned kitties to just have fun with it. My personal style philosophy? If you see something and it makes your tail twitch, go for it!
The plaid and argyle patterns both sound great, but if you’re not used to seeing yourself in them, you may be shocked the first time you catch a glimpse of yourself in a mirror. Start slowly by introducing something simple into your wardrobe; I recommend pinstripes — classic, understated and elegant.
Walking woes…
DEAR TABBY: I recently accepted a position as a professional pet assistant working for a sassy 2-year-old stray named Sally. Sally wants my help incorporating daily walks into her fitness regimen.
Problem is, she hates harnesses. I haven’t found one she likes. As soon as she puts one on, she plops down on the ground, rolls around and refuses to walk.
All of the pet assistants in my professional network think that Sally’s a lost cause. What do you think? I don’t want to lose this job.
— Troubled in Tacoma
DEAR TROUBLED IN TACOMA: First, congrats on your new partnership! And I’m glad you decided to take a job assisting a stray. That’s very wise of you. I was a stray once, you know…
I still remember the first time my assistant placed a harness on me. I have to be honest with you, it really freaked me out!
I got used to it, though, slowly but surely. The treats certainly helped. Every time my assistant put my harness on me, she’d feed me a spoonful of gravy or a few pieces of Pounce. She also lavished me with sweet talk and strokes.
At first, I only wore the harness for a few minutes inside the house. We did that a few times to get used to it, and then slowly worked our way up from five-minute trips outside to 10 and 15. Pretty soon I was comfortable and walking around.
Now I really look forward to my walks.
Don’t give up on Sally, Troubled! I think a lot of kitties start at that same exact place, but with plenty of positive encouragement, patience and love, pretty soon you two will be enjoying the great outdoors.
Get on the gravy train…
DEAR TABBY: I’ve been thinking about adding a few cans of gravy to my weekly grocery list, but I’m clueless when it comes to wet food. I’ve always been more of a dry food kitty, but I’m trying to expand my culinary horizons. Can you recommend any flavors to try?
— Culinarily Curious
DEAR CURIOUS: Sure thing. I’m a huge fan of the Gravy Lovers series from Fancy Feast, and my favorite flavor is Turkey…although the salmon’s also pretty good.
When I’m in the mood to overindulge, oh, I love the Appetizers for Cats, also by Fancy Feast.
They have gigantic chunks of fish and meat served in “a delicate broth” that’s like super fancy gravy. Again, very tasty!
For what it’s worth, if I had to choose one kind of cat food to last me through the zombie apocalypse…I’d choose those Appetizers from Fancy Feast.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addicts,
Karen and Tabs
Molly says
I love Tabs.
Tabs says
Love ya right back, Molly!
XO,
Tabs
Karen says
Tabs, you are one savvy guy!
Tabs says
Thanks, boo! I try my best.
Purrs and kisses,
Tabs
Chelsea says
Tabs, you’re such a smart cat! It’s great of you to reach out to your fans like this.
Tabs says
Thanks, Chelsea. You know I’m all about helping people and cats!
Kitty hugs,
Tabs
Becca @ The Beauty Sample says
LOLLOL 😛
Tabs says
MWAH!
Heart ya,
Tabs
Elizabeth says
Hahaha I love it!
Tabs says
Thank you, Elizabeth!
Love,
Tabs
Sunny @ Mostly Sunny says
LOL I wonder what will happen if I try to put a harness on mine :p
Tabs says
Try it!
XO,
Tabs
Ruchita says
Dear Tabs,
Hello from a fellow husky, striped tabby cat! Thank you for you wonderful advice. I once ended up on an episode of Tabbys Gone Wild showing my tum in a rather compromising position. Luckily, it didn’t have much of a negative effect other than filling my in-box with fan mail from the ladies. It helped keep my assistant busy for a while. Speaking of which, I will have to tell her about the Fancy Feast Appetizers.
I look forward to reading more of your columns in the future.
Peace, love and stripes.
Mingus
Tabs says
Dear Mingus,
Thank you for your note! I love that pic of you; I can tell that you put your heart and soul into your modeling work!
Enjoy the Fancy Feast Apps…they’re great after a long night prowling the town.
Paws up,
Tabs
OrangeLipstickBlog says
Oh, Tabs! You always have such great advice!
Tabs says
Thanks, babe. I try to use my kitty wisdom to make this world a better place!
Purrs,
Tabs
S says
I love Tabs!
Tabs says
Heart you too, S!
XOXO,
Tabs
Nina says
Hi Tabs,
Youre one of my biggest kitty crushes.
Love, Nina
Tabs says
Dear Nina,
Love you right back!
Smooches,
Tabs
Rads says
Tabs! I love you :* :* :* :* :* :*
Nicola says
That has really cheered me up, soooo funny! 🙂
AG says
I love everything about this! Thanks, Tabs, the harness tips in particular are especially relevant to my own furry family 😀
Emily says
Oh Tabs, you remind me so much of my sweet kitty I recently lost named Burkey. He looked just like you! It always cheers me up to see your face on your momma’s blog. I hope your mommy knows how lucky she is to have you, I think she does 😉 Keep proudly baring that golden tabby tummy!
Alison says
Pet questions. Love it!
You’ve outdone yourself, Tabs.
Melessa says
OMG THAT FIRST PIC OF TABS AND THE LAST ONE IN THE HAAAAT OMG CUTEST THING EVER!!!!!
When im feeling blue i shall look at that hat picture 🙂
What a chic lil b.a. i cant get over that pic! lol
Alexandra says
Tabs you are funny. My vincey agrees with you about the gravy. He also likes abit of veg in his food. Purina one pouches are his fav.