Kitty Kat mask and ears - costume discontinued by Cal Exotics - review by kttynblurbs

The Kitty Kat mask and ears by Cal Exotics is a cute leopard print two-piece set of ears and an eye mask. The main material is velvet, but it also has elastic, plastic, and wire components. The mask is designed in the classic "cat eye" look which I think helps add to the sexual allure of the wearer. The ears are triangle-shaped and fastened to a black plastic, and fairly flexible, headband that actually stays in place. The black elastic strap on the mask keeps the mask firmly in place as well. This product is a “one size fits most” product. In addition to the elastic head strap for the mask, and the flexibility of the plastic headband, the wire that is placed between two layers of velvet in the mask can be molded to fit the individual shape of the wearer's face, making this product truly a "one size fits most" product.

One area that wearers may find that does not fit so well is the cutout for the eyes. I have almond-shaped eyes and found that the corners of my eyes rubbed against the mask. The mask's eye cutouts are done in a very generic eye shape that will potentially be comfortable for all eye types. While I was annoyed with the mask rubbing the top outside corner of my eyes, it was not a problem that could not be overcome. Since the main material is fabric, it is easy to trim the cutouts to fit your individual eye shape if you find that some adjustment is needed. I used an exact-o knife and trimmed away a tiny sliver of fabric at the top corner of the eyes in the mask.

The only visible stitching that I found was on the inside of the mask where the elastic band is attached. This stitching looks fairly sturdy, and after looking closely it appears that it is a series of knots and straight line stitching that is holding the elastic to the velvet.

The mask and ears both come wrapped in a cellophane bag. However, I bought this product years ago and don't recall what the rest of the packaging is like, but I do remember that it was minimal. The mask and ears are fairly travel-friendly. The mask can be flattened out and then remolded to the wearer's face when needed. However, packing the ears may be a bit tricky depending on what sort of container they will be travelling in. I try to put my ears, laying flat, on top of everything in order to prevent them from being crushed or the headband broken.

Clean the mask and ears on an as needed, spot clean basis. Spot clean with a water-free, dry cleaning product, wiping in the direction of the pile (so the pile lies down). When the fabric is dry, brush gently with a suede brush, first against, then with the pile. Do not run it through the washing machine with a load of laundry. I get the impression that doing so will cause it to fall apart or cause the fabric to fray.

I have some serious long-term doubts about this product. It is a very capable product for costume parties or short romps of kitty play, but I do not feel that it has long-term durability. With extended, long-term use, I feel that the layers of fabric on the mask will begin to fall apart, and the elastic band to stretch out. I believe that the ears are more durable than the mask, however. I have worn just the ears on several occasions and there has been no evidence of wear and tear on them. I have worn the mask once or twice and can already see signs of use around the edges.

I have used the Kitty Kat mask and ears on several occasions for costume parties. I wear glasses, and am practically blind without them. In order to wear the mask, I had to go without my glasses. I added a collar and leash to my outfit and had a trusted friend be my "owner" for the evening to make sure that I didn't walk into walls or trip and fall. When I didn't have anyone to keep me from being a klutz, I went without the mask and just wore the ears. Doing this turned out to be an equally, if not more, adorable costume. I have also worn the mask and ears in the privacy of my own bedroom with my partner when feeling particularly wild. It was a dead giveaway of the mood I was in when I wore my leopard outfit which included this mask and ears. I have received many compliments while wearing the mask and ears, so I know they were a good purchase on a few different dimensions.