Monday 29 February 2016

Gary The Cat Review

I've never liked cats and so Gary The Cat wouldn't have been the sort of thing I'd have thought to buy, but Gary has been with us a week now and although we've not had chance to test all of the features, we've found he's been popular with pretty much the whole family.


Gary was delivered by means unknown, without so much as a note or delivery ticket, and as soon as he realised we were awake, screeched and scratched and cried at our door for an hour until we gave in, opened it and let him in.


Gary's behaviour was exceptionally friendly. He ingratiated himself with everyone immediately, purring and offering kisses and snuggles to anyone willing to get close enough. I was a bit dubious, I'm more your polite cat chat sort of person, but Gary did come with that option pre-installed.


Gary is particularly small, only weighing 2.7kg, and very fluffy. Almost spotlessly clean, and very hungry when he arrived. Google suggested Barracuda as an emergency cat food, but sadly I was all out and a bit of Cheddar had to suffice.

We wrongly assumed he was the brand new kitten variety of Gary, but a later visit to a vets confirmed he is probably a 2014 model. I like this. I've always found miniatures more appealing.


Gary is from the 'Tolerant Indoor' range, and has yet to show any annoyance. I'm very impressed. My 5 year old can be pretty full on, so this is definitely the best model for us to test out. He also refuses to go outside, thereby removing most of my cat concerns (early morning gifts, road safety, bringing friends home).


Playability is massive. So far we've mainly taken advantage of the lap-sleeping mode, which has enabled the whole family to spend time with Gary. Gary arrived pre-installed with 'under the laptop'. This is his favourite place in the world, and seems somewhat familiar to him. Once in position the 'snore' feature begins within a couple of minutes.


There are literally millions of accessories available both online and instore, and while these start at around 60p for a ball of string, they can mount up, so set a budget and stick to it. I think it's easy to get drawn in, who wouldn't want a 3-storey cat hotel, but shop around and there are bargains to be found.


It's possible to home-make accessories, but there is a bit of trial and error. We have moved on from the cardboard-fish-on-a-bit-of-string to the more complex feather-on-a-string, and for £1.25 I think it's probably worth the investment because play value is massively increased. We also invested in a plastic litter tray. Stationery box lids are great, but have limited lifespan and every wee is a gamble.

Overall I'd say Gary is value for money. So far he's cost us £12.50, but that should be good for another 7-8 days. Initial set up raises the average, but ongoing costs can be around 18p a day as standard. There is a risk of vet bills, but aside from regular booster vaccinations, these are unknown and hopefully won't be a regular feature.


Disclaimer: We were sent Gary The Cat. I'm still not a fan of cats, but yes, he can stay - unless we ever find out where on Earth he came from, and it's safe for him to return home.

60 comments:

  1. He's moved in forever. He's never going home! He's on your blog now and that makes him officially part of the family!

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    1. He was in my Star Wars Books post the other day :D
      I think he's definitely reached second cousin level already :D

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  2. I think Gary wants you to stop working on your laptop and play with him. He is such a cutie.

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  3. I truly think Gary arrived with you guys for a reason. He's definitely got his paws under the table (or laptop).

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    1. I think you might be right...and yes, he already has claimed his spot in the pecking order :)

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  4. Bahahaha! Gary is your forever cat now. LOVE your disclaimer. :) xxx

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    1. I honestly don't know how it happened. I've never been a fan of cats!! :D x

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  5. This is my favourite review ever! Really brought a smile to my face after a long day! Don't forget to link up with Colette's #tried tested tomorrow :)

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  6. My cats prefer paper balls wrapped in sellotape and the little clear lids that you remove from a bottle of water purchased. Gary sounds purrfect (see what I did there?). Please update us on his progress!!

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    1. :D Okay! I shall try the sellotape, he's shown no interest in lids so far!

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  7. I just love Gary x I'm going to be heartbroken if his owner turns up now.

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  8. OMG loving this story, thanks for the update. I think he's chosen his mugs, sorry, I mean forever home.. :D:D:D:D

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  9. You love him. Go on, admit it. Who couldn't love that furry face?! Plus, he came with a free collar. What's not to love?! x

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  10. Aww that's the best post I've read in forever. He was totally meant to come & be your forever cat. I love cats & have been enjoying following the Gary story. I look forward to seeing more of him. Yay. Go Gary & hugs as always x

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    1. Aww bless you, thank you. I'm glad I brought a smile to your face and I hope your head is feeling at least a bit better xx

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  11. Blooming love this.
    Loved the Gary updates on FB.
    He's here to stay

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    1. Hahaha thank you! I'm glad I brought a smile to so many people :D

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  12. Gary is so cute!! Love your review, no need to return or exchange then! X

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    1. Hahaha - no! At the moment I'm happy with his performance :D

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  13. Lovely way to start the morning - a Gary review! Brilliant.

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    1. Awesome! I aim to please, and I did promise you I'd do one :) x

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  14. I love Gary

    He's my favourite in the cat worlds

    Rollie and Jack say hi

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    1. He's no making friends!! They might want to visit :D

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    2. Best review ever - sorry to comment as a reply but for some reason there's no comment box for me :(

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    3. Sorry you did'nt get a comment box! It's cool though, you are more than welcome and thank you for taking the time. Biggest thank you for your lovely comment though :D

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  15. I love this post, I kinda missed the arrival of Gary (having no internet for 2 weeks!) but loving catching up on his adventures. Fingers crossed the original owner doesn't make a reappearance so we can keep up with Gary updates! ;-)

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    1. It was all very sudden and unexpected! :D Glad you have your internet back at last! :)

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  16. Ha! I have a black cat called Gary who has a habit of overstaying his welcome at other folks' houses. Just checked, however, and he's presently on my landing. Sorry I can't help further!

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    1. Aha! Maybe it's a thing then. perhaps my youngest was right to say "he's called Gary because that's just his name" :D

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  17. Aww! I love this. It really made me smile. I hope he stays! x

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    1. Glad it made you smile! It made me smile writing it :D

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  18. Gary is awesome! He is a lovely little dude, I honestly cannot get over how tiny he is! :) Awwww everything happens for a reason love!xxx Sim x

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    1. Hahaha....he is teeny tiny. A little pocket cat. He likes you too!! :D

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  19. This has to be the best review ever! I do hope Gary is planning to stay as he seems to have brought a large amount of smiles to your family. Black cats are renowned for being hard to rehome, but it seems Gary took matters into his own paws! Go Gary...(Black cats are the best)

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    1. Aww thanks Tina. He really has brought a lot of smiles. He's ready for a cuddle with anyone any time :) x

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  20. Best review ever! I firmly believe that you don't chose a cat they chose their owner. Gary has obviously chosen you :-)

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    1. Thank you! He definitely chose us. I have no idea why, but he clearly knew we were soft! :D

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  21. Love this review, you made cats sound almost home-able, but think I'll still with the Boxer...

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    1. I know, when I read it back I can't believe it myself. I hear words coming out of my own mouth that I never thought I'd say. It's awful :D
      Thanks Craig x

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  22. All of my mum's cats have arrived on their own accord! Cats choose who they want to look after them!

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    1. Don't say things like "all of my Mum's" that's terrifying! We aren't taking in any more :D

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  23. Ahhh love this - Gary is cute! He must be here to stay now you can'y send him back! #TriedTested

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    1. :D Hahaha...he certainly can't be bothered with going anywhere at the moment anyway!

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  24. You're the pied piper of cats

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  25. Best review ever!! Hooray for Gary! (He's cute, but I definitely don't want one)!

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    1. Thank you! Hahaha...he is cute, there, I said it. I'm still not really a fan of cats though :D

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  26. Replies
    1. :D You love the fact Gary decided to come and bother me! x

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  27. I keep telling everyone about Gary

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  28. he is very cute though isn't he :) sometimes these things happen for a reason.

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    1. He is very cute, what can I say? He fluttered his huge eyes at me :D

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  29. I love this post. The disclaimer is so funny. I hope you'll have lots of beautiful moments with Gary. x

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    1. Thank you! I had to put the disclaimer or else people might have thought I would really throw him out :D

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