Kit Cat Clock review

Do you remember someone in your family owning a Kit Cat clock?   I remember seeing the tail swaying and eyes moving back and forth and loving it.  Did you know this  iconic clock has been American made since 1932 and is celebrating their 80th anniversary this year. They are still around and US made! 

 Not only do they come in the iconic black, but are now available in "gentlemen" and lady versions!  No matter what color or design you are looking for, Kit Cat clock has them all!   They also have smaller versions called kitty clocks, tons of fun collectables and even cards!   Not only did I get a Kit Cat clock, but one of their brand new cards!

The cards are quality cards on nice card stock, with bright colors and a glossy finish.   They feature a smiling Kit-Cat with the saying “You bring out the smile in me!” on the front. On the inside you’ll find the message “Every time you look at Kit-Cat, let your smile come out and remember that you are special to me”.   Perfect for any occasion!  If you decide to purchase a Kit Cat Clock they have told me if you  mention seeing Kit Cat on One Momma Saving Money  blog in the
comments section of checkout on their site they will include the greeting card as a free special.

Check out my Kit Cat Clock on my office wall!

A little bit of history!

Bringing Time to Life Since 1932

Same Clock, Same Company, Same Smile – Still Made in America after 80 years

In 1932, during the heart of The Great Depression, the Kit-Cat® Clock was first invented in a small Oregon town by designer Earl Arnault (1904-1971).  With his signature wagging tail, rolling eyes, and contagious smile; Kit-Cat inspired joy during one of America’s darkest hours.

In the 1930s, the Allied Clock Company was founded in Portland Oregon to begin manufacturing these uniquely animated pendulum clocks.  The first models of Kit-Cat were welded with metal but Allied Clock soon adopted the rising trend of plastic molding and moved to Seattle, WA.

The 40s and 50s were decades of explosive growth for Kit-Cat’s popularity and marked the first (and last) changes in his design.  The top paws were added in the early 50s followed by a bow tie.  Due to his popularity, it wasn’t long before Kit-Cat became an Americana icon of the 50s.

In 1962, Allied Clock moved production to Southern California and renamed itself the California Clock Company. In 1982, the owner of the California Clock Company convinced Ohio native and serial entrepreneur Woody Young to take over as President/Owner and keep Kit-Cat going strong into the new millennium.

But in the late 1980′s, the American Made legacy of Kit-Cat was almost lost! In the span of a few years, American electric motor manufacturing was almost exclusively relocated to Asia, leaving Kit-Cat without a US motor supplier.  A battery motor powerful enough to move Kit-Cat’s exclusive “one-second” animation had yet to be invented.  With no other alternative, the California Clock Company was driven to develop a new battery technology.

Kit-Cat kept on ticking through the 90s when the first Limited Color Edition Kit-Cats began to be manufactured, including the first ¾ size Kitty Cat which was introduced in 1996. It wasn’t long before Lady Kit-Cat first burst on to the scene in 2001, swapping out a bow tie for pearls and eye lashes.

2012 marks Kit-Cat’s 80th anniversary, 50 years manufacturing all of their clocks in California, and 30 years with Woody Young as President.  To celebrate this milestone, Kit-Cat sponsored the only 100% US grown commercial float in the 2012 Pasadena Rose Parade®.  After 80 years, Kit-Cat continues to prove that he is truly “timeless” as Kit-Cat Clocks are now sold through stores in countries all around the world.  In fact, every 3 minutes, for the past 50 years, someone has purchased a Kit-Cat Clock.

I received the above mentioned product for free to facilitate this review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.  Full Disclosure Policy