2026: The Year of Whimsy — How to Be More Playful (With a Little Help From Your Cat)
- Lisa Sheppard
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read

If 2026 has a theme, it’s this: whimsy. Searches for “how to be more playful” are soaring, and honestly… our cats have been trying to teach us this lesson all along.
When I am at the computer for too long and my cats are feeling ignored, they will walk across my keyboard and stop me from working - literally. They need to be petted and played with. And play isn’t just for kittens. It’s for stressed-out professionals, busy moms, entrepreneurs, creatives, and anyone who needs a reminder that joy can be simple, silly, and beautifully small. At Comfort Diva, we believe whimsy lives in everyday moments — especially the ones shared with your favorite feline.
Here’s how to lean into the Year of Whimsy, one paw-print at a time.

1. Start the Day with “Paws & Play”
Before emails, before news, before to-do lists — spend five intentional minutes petting your cat and engaging in play.
Science shows that petting a cat lowers cortisol and boosts oxytocin (the “love hormone”). But beyond the science, it’s about reconnecting with softness, presence, and delight. Wrap up in your favorite cozy cat blanket, let your cat knead beside you, and make this your daily ritual of calm and connection.
Whimsy Tip: Keep a playful cat toy in your bedside drawer. That first smile of the day will unlock the oxytocin in your brain.
2. Cook Like You’re “Making Biscuits” Together
Cats don’t cook, but they do supervise. And they definitely judge. Especially, my cat Lulu, who always believes that she knows the better way to stir things up.
Slip into a Comfort Diva cat apron and invite your furry sous-chef to watch you bake, sauté, or stir while you narrate the process like a cooking show host. Yes, really. It’s silly. That’s the point.
Cooking becomes play when:
You talk to your cat like a co-host
You dance while the pasta boils
You celebrate small wins (“We didn’t burn it, Whiskers!”)
Whimsy is letting yourself be ridiculous in your own kitchen.
Did you know our Floral Cat Apron with Pockets is also great for crafting in addition to cooking? Check it out.
Quick Safety Tips for Cooking With Your Kitty:
Create Safe Boundaries - Use a watching chair. I did this with Lulu when she was a kitten and it allowed her to watch me and feel a part of the mealtime prep without endangering her.
Protect Hot Surfaces - Keep cats away from hot surfaces like burners and make sure that you cover a hot burner when you are finished using it.
Keep Surfaces Clear - Never leave food or raw and dangerous ingredients unattended on countertops.
3. Turn Cocktail Hour into a Mini Celebration
Playfulness isn’t childish — it’s joyful. Set out your Signature Cocktail Napkins (even if it’s just sparkling water or tea), light a candle, open a jigsaw puzzle, and toast to surviving the day.
Your cat may not drink, but they will sit nearby, stare intensely, and add dramatic flair to the moment.
Make it a ritual:
One pretty glass
One whimsical napkin
One grateful thought
One cat head-butt for luck
4. Create a “Catnap & Daydream” Zone
Every home needs a whimsy corner.
Layer a soft cat throw blanket, add a journal, and let your cat curl up beside you. This becomes your space for:
Doodling
Journaling
Reading
Doing absolutely nothing (highly recommended in 2026)
Did you know that we have a Catnap Gift Set to make nap time into a ritual while fostering positivity? Check it out.
Play isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s gentle, dreamy, and warm.

5. Let Your Cat Remind You How to Live
Cats stretch when they wake up.They play hard, then rest deeply.They demand affection without apology.They find wonder in dust motes and ribbons.
In the Year of Whimsy, follow their lead.
Pet them slowly. Play with them daily. Build small rituals of beauty with your surroundings. Choose products that make you smile — not just function.
That’s the heart of Comfort Diva: Everyday luxury, playful spirit, cozy magic, and a little feline mischief woven into your life.
In 2026, don’t just be productive. Be playful. Be cozy. Be whimsical.
And let your cat — and a few perfectly chosen Comfort Diva pieces — remind you how.
Explore our cozy blankets, playful aprons, signature cocktail napkins, and whimsical home gifts designed to make every day feel a little more magical. 🐾










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