Ithaca Kitty

The Ithaca Kitty, originally known as "The Tabby Cat", was a popular stuffed toy in the United States which started a fad for plush toys that lasted from its introduction in 1892 until after World War I.

[2] The design was sold by the Smiths for one cent a yard to Arnold Print Works, which then sold the printed pattern as "The Tabby Cat" on half a yard of muslin for ten cents each in late 1892.

The toy was very successful nationwide, making appearances at the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and in the windows of Wanamaker's department store in Philadelphia.

The toy's success led to other stuffed animals, including kittens, dogs, and bunnies.

[3] Writer Eugene Field said that the calico cat in his poem "The Duel" was inspired by the Ithaca Kitty.