Hey there, cat lovers and crazy cat people (I see you, and I salute you!), it's your friendly neighborhood pet photographer here, ready to spill the beans on the purrfectly delightful world of cat cake smash photography!
Now, you might be thinking, "Cats and cake? Isn't that a recipe for disaster?" Well, my whisker-loving friends, that's precisely where the magic lies! Sure there will be some "not-so-impressed" feline stares, but that's all part of the hilarious charm. When Sarah called and said she wanted to do a Doggone Cake Smash birthday session for her beloved cat Marble, I said “You are my people”!
Herding Cats and Capturing Calm - A Successful Photo Session
Things got off to a bit of a rough start when Marble, convinced she was going to the veterinarian and not a party, slipped her harness when being moved into her carrier for transport into the studio. Twenty minutes of belly-crawling, cajoling and begging in the parking lot by both Sarah and I, Marble was safely inside the studio (and note to everyone reading this – probably a good idea to put your feline friend inside the carrier when still inside your home – they’re wily beasts!).
After that excitement, we let Marble explore and calm down for 20-minutes or so before we started anything. We had plans for the session; Sarah picked the lavender background (Marble’s signature color), and I purchased a variety of cat-sized birthday hats for her to pick from (Marble clearly needed the crown!), and we began. I quickly realized that Marble had her own plans for the session and that meant something soft and a bit confining to curl up in for the session – enter the chair.
Pet photography is always an adventure, and you have to be flexible. As a retired professional dog trainer, I have studied animal behavior at length and recognize the signs of stress even in cats. By introducing the chair somewhat early in the session, Marble stayed calm and relaxed and we were able to capture some adorable images. A little bit of tube-goo (lickable treats for cats, always on hand in the studio) and she got very interested in her tuna cake for the final pièce de resistance picture of her chowing down on her birthday cake (cats don’t smash, they’re too refined for that).
Why a Cake Smash for Your Cat, You Ask?
Because celebrating your feline overlord's birthday with a photoshoot that's equal parts adorable and side-splittingly funny is pure gold! Imagine capturing the look on Mittens' face as she surveys this strange, frosted mountain before her. Will she dive in headfirst with the grace of a sugar-crazed ballerina? Or will she approach it with the suspicion of a seasoned tuna inspector? The beauty is, you never quite know what you're going to get!
Just like with dogs, the beauty of these sessions is their utter unpredictability. Some pets dive headfirst into the cake, leaving frosting-streaked faces and a trail of destruction in their wake. Others approach with the dignity of a five-star chef, daintily picking at the sprinkles. There's always the occasional diva who decides the whole thing is beneath them and opts for a regal pose by the cake instead.
Memories Made to Last (Even if the Cake Doesn't!)
As your cat's personal paparazzi, I'll be there to freeze these fleeting moments in time – the derp faces, the surprise milk mustache, the look of pure, sugary bliss (if your cat is so inclined). These photos will be cherished keepsakes, a reminder of the day you celebrated your feline friend and reveled in their quirky, independent spirit.
So, if you're looking for a way to celebrate your cat's birthday that's both hilarious and heartwarming, look no further than a cake smash session! Just be prepared for a little flour cleanup and a whole lot of laughter (and maybe some sassy side-eye from your cat). They may not be huge on sharing their cake, but they'll definitely own the photoshoot!
Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a cat, a cake, and a camera – what could be better? Ready to capture your own cat's cake-tastic birthday? Drop me a line, and let's get this pawty started!
Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Master of Photography and Certified Professional Photographer with the organization Professional Photographers of America; a designation held by fewer than 2,000 photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry and professionalism.
Penny Whistle specializes in both on-location and studio photography providing pet, family, and high school senior portraits as well as corporate headshots and commercial photography services in her studio located in historic downtown Carrollton as well as on location in Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake, Flower Mound and surrounding communities in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas.