Cat clock
The cat clocks were an American classic that began as a fun conversation piece and grew in popularity due to the novelty factor amongst young and old alike. They were first identified as Kit-cat clocks and created in a small town on the West Coast during the ‘Great Depression’. At a time when Americans were struggling to survive, this feline face gave them a reason to smile and entertained them - the rolling eyes and wagging tail bringing cheer to many a kitchen and living room.
Development of the cat clock
The cat clock has provided many an American factory worker with his daily bread for the last fifty years and this animated timepiece grew in popularity steadily to become a staple in most American kitchens. The late 1980’s may have witnessed a decline in sales with the advent of more contemporary and eclectic designs but all was not lost for lovers of the cat clock. The California Clock Company, the main manufacturer of the cat clocks, made drastic changes in the inner workings of the clock and included an exclusive “one-second” animation in their fashionable cat clock, making it a trendsetter- in keeping with the times! This new technology that was invented by the company, after several years of research, trial and error, worked on batteries that supplied the power for animation as well as keeping the proper time. This operation was consummated through precision balancing of all the inner workings of the clock using gravity to keep the moving parts in motion, at a controlled speed. This is the most distinguishing feature of the kit cat clock, which helps it run best even as it is hung in a straight vertical position. If ever the clock’s motion is disrupted, it will commence again with a simple push (given for starting) of its tail. This technological innovation raised the quality standards of the cat clock and gave a durability to this much loved timepiece. In the current day, the Cat clock is virtually indestructible as it is fitted with snap-on parts, saving the storeowner and consumer valuable time, money and aggravation of repairs.
Special features of the Cat clock
This treasured, family time-piece, often handed down to the next generation, has the distinctive feature of functioning best when hung vertically, starting with an easy flick at the cat clock’s tail has been refashioned: the latest editions in the cat clock range have a wide selection in terms of color, styling and faces. Special production styles offer jeweled cat clocks, studded artistically with Austrian crystals designed such that each rhinestone captures light to retain an elegant quality for years.