Crickets to Cha-Chings: Episode 190 Summary “These Cat Products Are Making $15,000 per Month on Etsy!”
Release Date: October 25, 2024
Host: Gold City Ventures

Crickets to Cha-Chings Episode 190 delves into the booming cat niche on Etsy, highlighting specific products that are generating impressive monthly revenues. Hosted by Gold City Ventures, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide for handmade and digital entrepreneurs aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for cat-themed products. Below is a detailed summary of the episode, structured into clear sections with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

1. Introduction to the Cat vs. Dog Niche

The episode begins with an exploration of the cat niche's performance relative to the dog niche on Etsy. While cat-related searches are slightly fewer—by a couple of thousand—it remains a substantial and lucrative market.

Key Insight: “There are two cat products selling $15,000 per month on Etsy. I cannot believe it. The cat niche is out of control.”
[00:00]

Comparison Highlights:

• Search Volume: Cats are searched slightly less than dogs but still maintain significant interest.
• Opportunity: Despite the minor difference, the cat niche offers ample opportunities for sellers to tap into a dedicated customer base.

2. Adapting Existing Products to the Cat Market

A primary takeaway from the episode is the encouragement for Etsy sellers to diversify their product lines by incorporating cat-themed variations.

Key Strategies:

• Product Variation: Transform existing products to cater to cat lovers or directly for cats.
• Examples:
  • Crochet Items: Simple crochet toys for cats, such as a spiral toy with catnip, have proven to be highly profitable.
  • Crochet Patterns: Creating cat-shaped crochet patterns can attract a niche segment within the handmade community.

Notable Quote: “Maybe, you know, you're trying to sell to people or you're trying to sell for toddlers or babies or whatever, but maybe you can make your thing for cats or for cat lovers and you can take advantage of this growing sales trend.”
[00:02:30]

3. Digital Products: Wall Art and Customizations

The digital download space for cat-themed products is thriving, with specific themes gaining popularity, especially around seasonal events like Halloween.

Popular Digital Products:

• Wall Art:
  • Themes: Cats with ghosts in bathtubs, cats reading books in various settings.
  • Customization: Custom pet portraits, including both regal AI-generated images and whimsical, doodle-like portraits.
• Print on Demand:
  • Apparel: T-shirts and sweatshirts featuring combinations like cats and pumpkins or spooky cats.
  • Phone Customizations: Wallpapers and icons adorned with cat imagery, though the host notes challenges in this area.

Notable Quote: “She actually tried to create some of them herself and found it really fun and relatively simple to make.”
[00:06:45]

4. Physical Products: Furniture and Novelty Items

Beyond toys and art, there is a significant market for cat-specific furniture and unique novelty items that cater to both pets and their owners.

Highlighted Products:

• Cat Wall Shelves: One particular listing is achieving $15,000 in monthly sales with cute, functional designs.
• Ugly Cat Pillows: Distinctively misshapen cat pillows have garnered over 30,000 views within four months.
• Cat Costumes:
  • For Pets: Adorable crocheted hats and vests for cats, beyond just Halloween.
  • For Children: Incorporating cat themes into kids' products aligns with popular preferences, influenced by media like Gabby's Dollhouse.

Notable Quote: “There were tons of different variations of these and they all were doing decently well. Decently well, not huge.”
[00:05:20]

5. Niche Combos and Unique Offerings

The host emphasizes exploring niche combinations to create standout products that cater to specific customer interests.

Combination Opportunities:

• Books and Cats: Custom book embossers for cat owners who are also avid readers.
• Pet Psychic Readings: Although niche and requiring compliance with Etsy’s policies, this area shows potential for specialized creators.
• Custom Pet Care Printables: Informational pages for cat sitters or pet owners to manage their pets’ preferences and care instructions.

Notable Quote: “Oh, like I wanted to go outside but my cat was curled up in my lap. Or like little things like that people tended to buy.”
[00:10:15]

6. Seasonal and Topical Trends

Capitalizing on seasonal events and topical interests can significantly boost product visibility and sales.

Seasonal Examples:

• Halloween: Designs featuring cats and ghosts, or incorporating spooky elements into cat imagery.
• Elections: Political-themed cat items such as T-shirts and yard signs, though the host advises caution regarding Etsy’s policies.

Notable Quote: “With the comments regarding childless cat lady, obviously that's going to translate to people wanting things on T shirts, people wanting signs to put in their yard.”
[00:12:30]

7. Recommendations for Etsy Sellers

The episode concludes with actionable advice for Etsy entrepreneurs looking to enter or expand within the cat niche.

Actionable Tips:

• Assess Current Inventory: Identify existing products that can be adapted to include cat themes.
• Explore New Categories: Consider venturing into areas like furniture, apparel, or digital downloads with a cat-centric twist.
• Stay Updated on Trends: Monitor seasonal and topical trends to align product offerings with current customer interests.
• Compliance Awareness: Ensure adherence to Etsy’s policies, especially when dealing with AI-generated content or sensitive topics like psychic readings.

Final Notable Quote: “Overall though, highly, highly recommend figuring out how you can make your stuff cat themed because it looks like that's what people think about when they're going to Etsy.”
[00:14:50]

Conclusion

Episode 190 of Crickets to Cha-Chings provides a thorough examination of the cat niche on Etsy, underscoring its profitability and versatility. By highlighting successful product categories, emerging trends, and strategic adaptations, Gold City Ventures offers invaluable insights for sellers aiming to enhance their Etsy shops. Whether through handmade crocheted toys, customized digital art, or innovative cat furniture, the episode encourages entrepreneurs to embrace the feline frenzy and tailor their offerings to a passionate and ever-growing audience.

For additional tips and strategies, listeners are encouraged to explore further episodes and resources provided by Gold City Ventures.