Pusheen plush toy

Pusheen is a world-renowned character brand that began as a digital comic strip in 2010. Created by Claire Belton and Andrew Duff, the character's name derives from the Irish word puisín, meaning kitten. What started as a viral internet sensation on Tumblr and Facebook quickly evolved into a multi-million dollar merchandising empire, largely driven by the popularity of her digital stickers.

In 2014, the brand entered a significant partnership with Gund, one of the oldest and most prestigious manufacturers of soft toys. This collaboration brought the digital character into the physical world through high-quality plush toys. While the intellectual property is strictly managed by Pusheen Corp in the United States, the physical production of merchandise is handled by specialized manufacturers like Gund (a subsidiary of Spin Master) and Funko, with assembly typically occurring in China to meet global demand.

Today, Pusheen is a global lifestyle brand. Managed by Pusheen Corp, the brand maintains its creative independence while licensing its likeness to major retailers and toy companies. The brand's headquarters in Illinois remains the creative hub where the character's aesthetic and narrative are carefully curated to maintain its appeal across diverse markets and age groups.