This summer we adopted a kitten named Guli (Goo-Lee). She is the sweetest cat but she’s also a total hooligan. We never know exactly what she’s going to get into and she gets into a lot! I love her dearly though, as does our dog, Miso.
For my last pattern as a member of Benzie Designs 2025 maker team, I decided I wanted to do something about Guli, or really about all the cats I’ve cherished in my life. I designed a folk inspired cat doll that could be easily customized to be anyone’s cat (not just my own little crazy wild thing) and thought this would be a perfect way to end my collaboration as a maker team member.
On the Benzie site you’ll find step-by-step instructions, a supply list, and a downloadable PDF with two different cat patterns on it – one cat is tall and skinny the other is short and squat. This pattern should be available throughout 2026.
You cats tail can be modified to be poofy or short and you can add stripes or spots onto their bodies for more personalized details. I designed the doll to place more emphasis on the face than on the body. Try different facial expressions and eye colors with your embroidery to really bring out your cats personality.
Here you can see two custom cats I made using my pattern. The orange fellow with the knobby tail is Cheese and the tuxedo cat is named “Black and White”. Both cats show how easy it is to make your cat look unique with just a few minor adjustments.
And of course, I made Guli…. But she turned into a fairy cat somehow. 😏
I hope you’ll make your own cat doll. Be sure to give me a shoutout on Instagram or Threads (@mlevacy) or on Facebook (Megan Levacy) so I can show Guli what she started.
Cry The Bird 