Pet Projects: Handmade Goods for Dogs and Cats

There is a cat rubbing the side of her face on my laptop screen right now. She likes to be where the action is.

Before she hunkers down directly on the keyboard, let's look at some creative genius from the pet department of the handmade world. Pet products are a big industry, so it makes sense that artists and crafters have come up with some great items for the fido and feline market. Here are just a few (from left to right, top to bottom of collage above):

For the dog that's "a gentleman and a scholar", Beantown Handmade offers the Shakespeare neck warmer. A smart, snuggly accessory for this time of year, it comes in many different colors.

If your pets are the real royalty of the house, why not make it official by crowning them king or queen? If you send FuzzyMug a photo of your pet, it will be transformed into a customized portrait.

If these catnip cupcakes – which even have sprinkles on top – don't get your  cat off the couch (or keyboard), nothing will. They're from Catzilla Crafts.

These classy merino wool catnip balls (which come in various colors), could double as decorations. Creator Try Tofu donates a portion of her profits to animal rescue organizations.

Let's face it, walking your dog comes with risks, and Lucky Dog Treat Company is here to help: "Some days you step in it, some days you don't. For the days that your pup steps in, or for that matter rolls in it, plays fetch with it and buries it, we have the simple solution. This soap is a real workhorse, cleans and smells great!" Lucky Dog soap is made with peppermint and tea tree oil. Happy washing!

This car seat blanket is both practical and tropical; a great way to protect your passenger seat from becoming a pig pen. It comes from Barking Dog Blankets in Hawaii.

Personalize your cat's collar by having it engraved with his or her name on this rugged, weathered collar by Michelle Verbeeck.

Flying Dog Collars makes pet products with personality. The flaming "Jimi" comes with a warning: "Just don't set it on fire like Jimi did to his Strat!" Matching leashes are available.

Go on, tell us about how you have splurged on your pet!