If you have a paralyzed or mobility challenged cat that could benefit from protective clothing, we would love to help! Before placing your request, please be sure to read about our program and waitlist process to ensure we are able to get you what you need, and you are able to use your purrmaid tails safely.

Safety

• We know that purrmaid tails/drag bags are very cute, but they intended only for fully paraparetic pets.

• If your cat is able to use or tries to use their back legs to stand or walk, they are not a candidate for Purrmaid tails/drag bags as it would not be safe for them. For able bodied cats we can provide pants or diaper covers depending on their needs.

• Drag bags should be used when your pet is supervised, and should not be used with a harness/suspenders unless they have a breakaway clasp. Any clothing can be a risk to your cat getting stuck on furniture or climbing areas, and getting severely injured. This is especially true with cats with reduced or no feeling in their legs.

• All new-to-you garments will be washed on a sanitary cycle with disinfectant before being sent to a new family, so you can be sure you are receiving clothing that is safe and sanitary for your kiddo.

• Cats can be sensitive to extreme temperatures, and paraparetic cats may not be able to let you know if they are getting too warm in their clothes. We will do our best to provide clothes in more breathable fabrics if you are located in a warmer climate, but you should always monitor your pet for signs of overheating like panting, increased thirst, and lethargy.

• Inspect your garments regularly and snip any loose threads that can get wrapped around toes or ingested.

Fulfilling Requests

• Project Purrmaid is run entirely by a small group of volunteers and donated supplies. This may mean that depending on the volume of requests we get, we can’t guarantee a specific lead time to receive your purrmaid tail package.

• There are many many many cats in need, but if your cat is in urgent need of protective clothing, please send an email to kacy@biscuitsandbreadsticks.org and we will do our best to prioritize your request.

Care Instructions

• Prior to washing, close the velcro to keep lint and hair from catching in the closures. All fabric is pre-shrunk/washed prior to sending so it shouldn’t be at risk of shrinking, but washing on cool or warm can extend the life of your protective clothing.

• Cats tend to prefer unscented detergent with no fabric softener, but you can add white vinegar to your wash to help with neutralizing odors and keeping your clothing cozy and soft.

• Drying on low will extend the life of the velcro closures. Most of our clothing are polyester blends, so keep away from high heat and do not iron.

Paying It Forward

• It is important to us at Biscuits and Breadsticks, that Project Purrmaid always provide purrmaid packs free of charge to families who need them, but we do rely on donations to cover material and shipping costs. If you are in a position where you are able to make a donation, we are so, so grateful.

• Project Purrmaid works hard to make sustainable choices whenever possible by sourcing second hand fabrics and remnants, reworking donated baby pants, and arranging for clothing that has been outgrown or is no longer being used to be returned and passed on to another family in need. If your cat has outgrown their tails or pants, please send us a message and we’ll get you a return label so that we can get it to a new Purrmaid. Returning isn’t required, but greatly appreciated to keep fabric out of landfills, though we totally understand wanting to keep clothing for sentimental reasons!

• Our primary costs associated with these Purrmaid packs are for consumables like thread, velcro, elastic, packaging, and shipping. It is important to us that we don’t charge families for the Purrmaid packs we send them, but they are not free for us, so any and all donations are greatly appreciated!

• Monetary donations can be made to PayPal, Venmo and through the donation link on this website.

• We can also accept Joann and Amazon gift cards, as well as physical donations of knit and fleece fabric yardage (we love to get fabric from local “buy nothing” and fabric destash Facebook groups) , 3/4” knit elastic, sew-on velcro, all-purpose thread, and preemie and newborn baby pants.

• Do you know how to sew and want to help us make some cute clothes for even cuter cats? Join our Facebook group for Project Purrmaid volunteers!