The Kit-Cat Klock was invented in 1932 in Oregon by Earl Arnault, a designer who created the rolling-eyes, wagging-tail timepiece we still recognize today.
Somewhere in the history of the Kit Cat Clock—one long, surprisingly American story—a designer named Earl Arnault put a smiling cat on a wall and gave it eyes that roll and a tail that sways with each tick. The year was 1932, the Depression had tightened its grip on the country, and yet here was a clock that could make a kitchen feel lighter. Nearly a century later, the design remains almost exactly what it was then, and collectors still hunt for the earliest examples with specific details in mind.
This guide walks through the key moments in the Kit-Cat Klock’s history, explains how the product changed, and points out what to know before starting a collection or hunting down a vintage piece. If you’re shopping, our antique cat clock roundup covers the best current options for adding one to your home.
The Invention Of The Kit-Cat Klock In 1932
Earl Arnault designed the Kit-Cat Klock in Oregon in 1932, working with the Allied Clock Company in Portland to build the first units. The original clocks were not battery-powered. They used starter knobs or apertures on the front to get the motor going, because self-starting electric motors were not common in the 1930s.
The earliest 1932 clocks are identifiable by a few specific traits:
- No markings on the back—the simplest way to date a very early example
- Metal bodies and metal hands
- Four toes on each paw, rather than the three seen on later models
These details matter because the Kit-Cat design changed more than collectors often assume. If you’re evaluating a vintage clock, counting toes and checking the back panel for markings is the standard starting point. The official company history confirms that the 1930s clocks did not yet carry the bow tie or top paws that came later.
Manufacturing Moves And Design Changes
The story of where Kit-Cat Klocks were made tracks closely with the company’s own moves. Allied Clock Company relocated from Portland to Seattle in the early 1940s, then moved to Southern California in 1962 and renamed itself the California Clock Company.
Design-wise, the 1940s and 1950s brought the only major change decades in the Klock’s history. This is when the top paws were added and the bow tie appeared—both features that remain on modern models today. A Kit-Cat from the 1930s, by contrast, looks markedly different from one made a decade later, and collectors pay attention to that contrast.
Ownership Milestones And Product Evolution
In 1982, Ohio entrepreneur Woody Young took over as President and owner of the company, according to the official history page at kit-cat.com. Under his ownership, the Klock’s product line expanded:
- The first Limited Color Edition Kit-Cats appeared in the 1990s
- The first 3/4 size Kitty Cat was introduced in 1996
- 2012 marked the 80th anniversary of the brand, 50 years of manufacturing in California, and 30 years with Woody Young at the helm
The current retail listings available through MoMA’s Design Store and Target show the clock made in the USA from PVC plastic, with silent movement and a requirement for 2 C batteries.
Collecting Kit-Cat Klocks: What To Check
Whether you’re shopping for a new one or hunting for a vintage model, a few specifics matter. The table below breaks down what to look for.
| Feature | Early 1930s Models | Current Models |
|---|---|---|
| Power source | AC-powered, starter knob on front | 2 C batteries (not included) |
| Body material | Metal | PVC plastic |
| Hands | Metal | Metal |
| Paw toes | Four per paw | Three per paw |
| Bow tie and top paws | Not present | Present |
| Back markings | None | Present |
One common mistake is assuming vintage equals the same design we see today. Later models differ notably from early 1930s examples. Another is assuming batteries are included—they are not, per the MoMA listing. And current models are strictly indoor use; Target’s listing notes the clock is not rated for outdoor conditions.
If you’re specifically interested in finding a vintage or antique cat clock for your collection, our roundup of antique cat clocks is where to start before you buy.
The beauty of the Kit-Cat Klock’s history is that it never really changed much—just enough to tell a story on every shelf.
FAQs
Are Kit-Cat Klocks still made in America?
Yes. Current retail listings from MoMA and Target describe the clock as made in the USA. The official store also labels its products “USA Made” and “Since 1932.” Manufacturing history runs from Portland through Seattle to Southern California, where the company operates today.
How can I tell if my Kit-Cat Klock is vintage?
Start with the back: 1932 models have no markings at all. Then check the paws—early clocks had four toes per paw, while later models have three. The bow tie and top paws were only added in the 1940s and 50s, so a clock with either feature cannot be from the 1930s.
Do Kit-Cat Klocks actually move their eyes and tail?
Yes. The rolling eyes and wagging tail are mechanical features tied to the clock’s movement. When the clock is running with fresh batteries, the eyes roll side to side and the tail swings back and forth in a steady rhythm that hasn’t changed essentially since the design was invented in 1932.
References & Sources
- Kit-Cat Official History. “History” page on kit-cat.com. Documents the 1932 origin, company moves, ownership milestones, and production claims.
- MoMA Design Store. “Kit-Cat Clock – Small” product page. Confirms current USA-made PVC plastic construction, silent movement, 2 C batteries not included, and designer attribution.
- Target. “Kit-Cat Klock Gentlemen The Original” product page. Lists current dimensions, 2 C battery requirement, indoor use, and plastic material.
- Wikipedia. “Kit-Cat Klock” article. Provides corroborating timeline details on the design evolution and corporate history.