Cotton textile panel of Tabby's Kittens, meant to be cut and sewn into stuffed toys. Sewing instructions are printed on the upper left and lower right sides. Date 1892. The Ithaca Kitty, originally known as The Tabby Cat, was a popular stuffed toy in the United States and started a fad for plush toys that lasted from its introduction in 1892 until after World War I. Inspired by a cat from Ithaca, new York, a patented Tabby Cat design was sold on half a yard of muslin for ten cents each. Nearly 200,000 were sold the first holiday season.