Blue the Product Tester: The Story of a Working Cat

Hi, I’m Amanda! Read my introduction to learn more about me and Blue, my fluffy fire point Himalayan-Persian cat.

It’s no secret that Blue is an integral part of the Hepper team. The Hepper brand mission is to provide modern, yet functional and long-lasting products to our readers at an affordable price point. The goal was to market the best of the best, which meant we had to find a way to weed out the duds. This is Blue’s journey as our original and avid product tester.

Before we dive into it, my stance on Blue’s new comparative testing role had to come with a few rules and regulations. Her safety and well-being were always going to be at the forefront and my main priority. Every item we brought into our home for her test was thoughtfully examined and approved for her safety. She has been an absolute gem and has acquired a vast collection of cool cat merchandise over the years.

Where It All Started

When we were initially recruited to be part of the Hepper team, one of the very first products we tested was pet shampoos. Baths are atypical for cats, so we spaced this process out over a few months. Since we were looking for a universal shampoo that catered to the needs of both dogs and cats, many of these were sampled by my two Chi’s as well as Blue. The objective was to find a natural, lightly or unscented, effective product that benefited the skin and coat of both cats and dogs.

We had a range of skin conditions in our house and thankfully, we never experienced any adverse reactions. Many of the formulas we tried were quite pleasant. What set the one we finally chose apart from the others were a few key factors:

First, consistency: it had to be something easily workable into Blue’s fur and able to wash away just as easily. We aren’t out here trying to take 45-minute cat baths!

Must be gentle yet effective: light enough to ease the inflamed dry skin of one of my Chi’s but strong enough to eliminate the wet-dog smell that usually lingered in her coat.

Finally, a scent that would be pleasant for all parties. Fresh and airy without being overly saturated or perfumey. First go at it, Blue was a rockstar. Shampoos were probably not the most fun thing she tested, but I can assure you this was only the tip of the iceberg of her testing and it only got better from there.

We tested in-litter odor eliminators, pet mess cleaners (admittedly, this was more fun for me than Blue), toys, harnesses, collars—the list goes on.

It’s been a minute since we’ve tested any products, but Blue and I were happy to give our honest thoughts when they were requested. The Hepper team now consists of many cat colleagues these days so we’re able to get far more feline input.

How Testing Brought Us Closer

Blue and I have always had a fairly cordial relationship. I’d sit, she’d lay. She’d meow, I’d feed her. We were always friendly but only truly sought out one another on rare occasions. She tended to gravitate towards my husband anyway.

Working from home and going through the testing motions has amplified our bond. She’s always at my desk while I work. I don’t even remember what it’s like not having her in my presence during the day honestly. When I move locations, she’s bound to follow. I’m thankful for the unique opportunity the Hepper brand has offered to us and how it has magically tapped into a deeper friendship between us.

That’s a Wrap!

Many of the products you’ll find on the Hepper Shop site are products that ring near and dear to Blue. Together we have carefully selected them based on a number of factors such as quality, functionality and whether Blue truly benefited or enjoyed them. So the next time you’re in the market for a cat product, rest assured that you have Blue’s stamp of approval for the Hepper collection. All are tried and true—and absolutely worth the investment!