Meet Instagram's Most Streetwear-Savvy Pet, Zappa the Cat
It wears Off-White™ and Supreme better than you.
For those who identify as a streetwear enthusiast or a cat lover — come on, who isn’t? — be prepared to discover your new favorite Instagram account. Perhaps one of our favorite style stars to follow on social media, Zappa the Cat pulls off on-trend looks better than even the most fashionable among us. A true HYPEBAE in the pets world, the white-haired cat counts collecting streetwear as one of its biggest hobbies, second to napping. From custom Supreme and Stussy hoodies, to a COMME des GARÇONS PLAY tee and a Vetements raincoat, its pint-sized wardrobe is to die for.
We’ve recently chatted with the the picture purrfect feline about its Internet fame, favorite brands and more. Read the interview below, and look inside a day in the life of Zappa by watching our exclusive video above.
For more cuteness, check out our feature on the equally cool cat Princess Cheeto, as well as this unboxing video starring Dachi Hype the Dog.
Lana Vermeegen
First things first, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Zappa. I’m a girl — a lot of people mistake me for a boy. I was born on February 25, 2015, so I’m almost three years old. I am of no particular breed, so most of the time we just say “European Shorthair.” We think that my dad was a British Shorthair but we are not sure. My humans adopted me when I was nine weeks old, and took me to their home in Rotterdam. I never go outside and I live in an apartment on the second floor. However, I do love watching the birds outside and taking long naps in the sun.
How do you feel about being Instagram-famous?
Most of the time I really enjoy it. I love the positive attention and it brings me joy to bring something positive to other people’s lives. Sometimes, people would send me messages saying that I remind them of their own pet that passed away, and that it comforts them seeing me. I think this is very flattering. But all the attention also turns me into a little diva. Everyone in the room should look at me and entertain me whenever I want them to.
Lana Vermeegen
As an influencer, what does a typical day look like for you?
Normally I’d get up with my humans in the morning. Then I’d eat something and watch how they prepare their breakfast. After that, I’d do some runs around the house. When they leave for work, I’d usually go for a nice long nap. Then later on during the day, I’d do some birdwatching and stretching until my humans get home. This is when I have to get to work.
Sometimes we’d do some casual shoots of me being around the house, watching, stretching, playing and being cute. But when companies ask me to promote their products, my cat mom would create a little set-up in which I’d do a few poses in front of the camera. After that it’s time to edit, select and post some pictures on Instagram and interact with my other feline colleagues. When I’m done ‘gramming, I’d usually take some more naps and cuddle with my humans until we go to bed.
Lana Vermeegen
You’ve been rocking brands from Stussy to Off-White™. How do you usually shop for your clothes?
Yes, I’m a big fan of streetwear right meow. I think normal “clothes” for pets are quite boring, so all my clothes are custom-made for me. Obviously, we are taking inspiration from big streetwear and fashion brands and we try to imitate their iconic pieces with super cute, mini versions. We take a lot of care in making the pieces extra realistic. When we are not making custom pieces, I like to browse the Internet and look at Gucci, Stone Island and Céline.
What are some of your favorite streetwear brands at the moment?
At the moment, I really like Supreme, Off White™ and Gucci — Gucci especially, because it uses so much great feline imagery in its recent collections. I’m also looking to pick up a new Off-White™ piece, but I’m not completely sure which one yet. It’s getting colder in the Netherlands so I’m really starting to enjoy cozy and fluffy items, like the Supreme leopard fanny pack.
Lana Vermeegen
Looking back on 2017, what are some streetwear trends that you absolutely love and hate?
As mentioned earlier, I really like what Virgil is doing right meow with Off-White™, including his collaboration with Nike. Unfortunately, they didn’t make those in super small sizes… I do not like the huge ugly sneaker trend – I’m a small girl so I’m worried that those big shoes will crush me or my tail. Another thing I also really like is the rise of animal streetwear/fashion. Pages like HYPEBAE and HYPEBEAST seem to pick it up more and more. We really do our best to show the world that streetwear can also be for pets, so it’s great to see other people and bigger pages noticing it.
Can you tell us about your hometown, Rotterdam? What are some things one must do when visiting the city?
I’m an inside-cat so I don’t go out that much, but my humans take me out of the house occasionally. There are a few shops that have noticed me earlier in my Instagram career and have supported me. Funkie House is one of them – it is a street fashion store in Rotterdam for both men and women. It carries a broad rage of brands like OBEY, Stussy, minimum and Carhartt WIP.
A second spot that you have to check out is ISIS INC. It is a small shop filled with super fancy clothing, accessories and jewelry all handpicked by the owner of the store. It sells both new and vintage pieces. The third stop is Skatestore. It carries one of my favorite brands, RIPNDIP. The store also offers a good selection from Vans, Butter Goods and more. Other great stores include Sevenply, T0K10 and Ansh46, so be sure you visit those when you are in Rotterdam.
Lana Vermeegen
Lana Vermeegen
What’s the best thing about being a cat?
First of all, naps! I love napping all day, every day. I’m always on the lookout for new cozy spots. Secondly, I love getting all the attention from my humans. I really cannot get enough of it. Third and finally, I enjoy watching the great outside world from my warm, safe home.
Can you teach us how to take the perfect selfie?
To be really honest, I never take my own pictures, so I do not know how to take a selfie. I do know how to pose, though — the key is to sit straight, wrap your tail around yourself, and then look in the lens and smize.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I think my hidden talent is my voice. I want to be a soul singer after my modelling career is over. You can enjoy my voice in this clip.
