Lush Designs – Bone China Mug – Fancy Handle Kitty Mug

Artist: Lush Designs
Price: £23.00 (Free Postage In The UK)
Material: Bone china
Condition: New
Size: 8.5cm high 8.5cm diameter

Bone china with embellishment to the handle.

Domestic cats (Felis catus) are one of the most popular and widely kept pets in Britain, valued for their companionship, playful nature, and independent spirit. As descendants of wildcats, they retain a blend of natural hunting instincts and affectionate behaviour, making them a unique presence in homes and gardens across the country.

Physical Characteristics

Domestic cats come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colours due to the diversity of breeds and mixed-breed populations. Key features include:

• Size: Cats typically weigh between 3 and 6 kilograms, with some larger breeds, like the Maine Coon, reaching up to 9 kilograms.
• Coat: Their fur can be short, medium, or long, and comes in patterns such as tabby, solid, tortoiseshell, and bicolour. Common colours include black, white, grey, ginger, and cream.
• Eyes: Cats possess striking eyes in shades of green, gold, blue, or copper, often appearing luminous due to their reflective tapetum lucidum, which aids night vision.
• Tail: Their tails are expressive, aiding balance and communication.
• Ears: Cats have keenly sensitive ears capable of swivelling to detect sounds from all directions.

Behaviour and Traits

Domestic cats are known for their blend of independence and sociability, displaying a range of behaviours influenced by their breed, environment, and upbringing.

• Hunting Instincts: Even well-fed domestic cats retain a strong prey drive, often stalking and pouncing on toys, insects, or small animals.
• Social Interactions: While some cats enjoy cuddling and being close to their owners, others prefer interaction on their own terms, showcasing their independent streak.
• Communication: Cats use a combination of vocalisations (such as meowing, purring, and hissing), body language (tail movements, ear positioning), and scent marking to communicate.
• Playfulness: They are naturally curious and enjoy engaging with interactive toys, climbing structures, and activities that stimulate their hunting instincts.

Care and Wellbeing

Cats are relatively low-maintenance pets, but they do require proper care to ensure their health and happiness.

• Diet: A balanced diet of high-quality cat food provides essential nutrients. Fresh water should always be available. Some cats benefit from occasional treats or a small amount of cooked meat.
• Hygiene: Cats groom themselves regularly, but long-haired breeds may need brushing to prevent matting. Clean litter trays are essential for indoor cats.
• Exercise: Cats benefit from climbing, scratching posts, and toys to keep them active and mentally stimulated.
• Healthcare: Routine vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and regular vet check-ups are vital. Neutering or spaying is recommended to prevent unwanted litters and certain health issues.
• Indoor vs. Outdoor: Some cats live exclusively indoors, while others have outdoor access. Outdoor cats should wear a collar with identification and ideally be microchipped.

Breeds and Varieties

Domestic cats come in both pedigree and non-pedigree forms. Some popular breeds in Britain include:

• British Shorthair: A sturdy, affectionate breed with a plush coat and round face.
• Siamese: Known for their slender bodies, striking blue eyes, and vocal nature.
• Maine Coon: One of the largest breeds, admired for their gentle temperament and long, tufted fur.
• Bengal: A sleek, active breed with a striking spotted or marbled coat.
• Persian: A calm breed with a long, luxurious coat and flat face.

Mixed-breed or “moggie” cats make up the majority of domestic cats in Britain, cherished for their unique personalities and diverse appearances.

Cultural Significance

Cats have a long history in Britain, both as companions and symbols of mystery and independence. They are often associated with folklore and superstition—black cats, for instance, are traditionally seen as a sign of good luck in British culture. Cats also feature prominently in literature, such as Lewis Carroll’s Cheshire Cat in Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, and in modern media as beloved icons.

Human Connection

Domestic cats provide companionship and emotional support to millions of households. Their calming presence, playful antics, and unique personalities enrich the lives of their owners, fostering a deep bond between humans and felines.

Whether lounging in a sunny spot, curling up on a lap, or exploring the garden, domestic cats are an enduring and beloved part of British life.

For their sheer kittiness and culture, these yellow cats had to show their fur on these fine mugs by Lush Designs.

Lush Designs: A Brief Description

Lush Designs is a British company that creates a wide array of beautifully illustrated homeware, with designs that capture a sense of whimsy and charm. Their collections include lampshades, cushions, ceramics, and tea towels, all featuring hand-drawn artwork inspired by nature, wildlife, and folklore.

With vibrant colours, bold patterns, and playful motifs, Lush Designs’ products are ideal for adding character and warmth to any space. Their lampshades, in particular, are known for their striking appearance, with intricate details and rich story-telling elements. We hold a large range in our Ripon gallery but we do not sell them online.

Sustainability is an important aspect of their work, and they focus on creating long-lasting, high-quality pieces. If you’re interested in British-made home décor that brings artistry and creativity to the forefront, Lush Designs offers distinctive items with a signature British touch.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of objects and fine gifts is meticulously curated to ensure that it reflects refined taste and elegance.

Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Every range is thoroughly researched and vetted to ensure that it meets our exacting standards.
• Expert Curation: We select each range with an eye for tastefulness, refinement, condition, and visual appeal.
• Customer Satisfaction: We strive to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to make a return, any item may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt for any reason. We request advance notification of returns, and items must be returned in the same condition as sent for a full refund.

Explore Our Collection:

Visit Hornseys to explore our exceptional collection of fine art, illustration, rare books, gifts and objects. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for art lovers and collectors since 1976.