…nestled in the beautiful Lakes Region of New Hampshire. Since spring of 1980 this wonderful old farmhouse with its 3 acres of land, old stone walls and babbling brook has been our home. There were, unfortunately, many abandoned stray cats roaming the neighborhood in need of food, shelter and medical care. One by one, they kept appearing on our doorstep, often finding shelter in our old barn. We found good homes for some, but inevitably, many of them became our own. At one time there were as many as 32 cats in our care! In 1991, I made my first batch of soap and decided selling these wholesome natural products would be a good way to help support the increasing number of cats.
From humble beginnings on my old kitchen woodstove, I concocted herbal soaps, salves and creams using medicinal herbs and essential oils I have been growing and studying for years. Their healing properties and delightful fragrances enabled me to create the best soaps I have ever used on my own sensitive skin. Once you try them, I am sure you will agree they are among the best on the market. Unlike so many handmade soaps that contain chemical dyes and synthetic fragrances, Cats in the Cradle soaps are formulated with natural ingredients. They are a generous bath size, long lasting, and a pure pleasure to use.
Soaps are cured for at least 3-4 weeks on special drying racks before being shipped. Some bars carry their own individual stamp, like our Buster’s Bay Rum from the Silent Soaps line that carries Buster Keaton’s trademark porkpie hat and initials on each bar, or the cat’s paw stamped onto our Herbal Pet Soap. Each hand-wrapped bar features beautiful and unique packaging. Original artwork and photography adorn many of the soaps are the result of countless hours of doodling, combing through my library of old books and driving around the beautiful New England countryside with my trusty camera.
Are you planning a visit to the Lakes Region? If you find yourself in our beautiful area stop by and visit us and the cats, stroll though the gardens, or browse through the little shop set up in the mudroom where you can purchase your favorite soaps and skin care products, old herb gardening, and cookery books, vintage treasures, and potted herbs grown here at the farm. Calling ahead is advised, or watch for the “Open” sign that will be up as soon as the snow-banks disappear! – Chris Whittmann
Cats In The Cradle Is A Cottage Industry…
Cats In The Cradle
Cats In The Cradle - Handcrafted & Herbal Soaps ~ 122 Frank C. Gilman Highway, Alton, NH 03809
tel & fax: 603.875.7284 ~ www.catsinthecradlesoap.com ~ email: ccradle@worldpath.net
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