Mimi - Little Pretty Kitty

Caden Dickinson
Apr 16
2 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

CHARACTER(S): Mimi

YEAR OF PRODUCTION: 1989

PLACE OF PRODUCTION: China

MANUFACTURING COMPANY: Mattel

TYPICAL PRICE ONLINE: $15 - $25 USD

OTHER COMMENTS/INFO:

This is Mimi! She had two releases, both in 1989!
- You can tell the two releases apart by color, hair, and smaller differences like face shape, copyright print, and symbol details (See images to the right)
- Her first release was as a mail order prize. Her second release was in-stores as part of the Glitter 'n Grow series, where she was released in a double pack with a cat named Purple Paws
Every single listing for her online says "My Little Pony", so I really did think she was from a weird spinoff line. Turns out, no, Little Pretty Kitty was just an obvious attempt from Mattel to rip off MLP - So obvious that everybody points it out!
It's okay though, I forgive her

Other Info:

Her first release came with a light blue comb, light blue hair ribbon, and frilly collar
- Her second release had the comb and ribbon, but no collar
Her first release had hair that was 7 inches long and straight - Her second release (from Glitter 'n Grow) had shorter, curlier hair. This version has the "hair growth" feature many older toys had, such as the Brush 'n Grow ponies.
Internationally, Mimi's first release was in the same packaging, but with multi-language translation - Her name is also spelt Mimy instead of Mimi, and she is labelled as a puppy instead of a kitty.
- It is unknown if her second release was sold internationally

Little Pretty, or Little Pretty Kitties & Puppies was a toy line by Mattel
- They were manufactured from 1989-1991
- They released a total of seven sets, including both cats and dogs. The cats are seemingly more common, and are far more acknowledged
Little Pretty Kitties are frequently mistaken as being a My Little Pony spinoff line, and most listings for them online include "My Little Pony" in the name. Their name is often misremembered as "My Pretty Kitty"
The cats in the "Lady Lovelylocks" toy line, also by Mattel, look very similar to the Little Pretty Kitties. It is often claimed that they share the same molds, but this is untrue
The Little Pretties, despite being cats, are probably more directly imitating My Little Ponies (with the bright colors, brushable hair, and cutie marks) than they are MLP's own cat-based spin-off line, My Little Kitty

1990 Mattel Catalogue Blurb: Welcome to the Little Pretty world! It's a loving, nurturing place where Little Pretty kitties and puppies have long, beautiful hair that girls love to comb and style! Some kitties and puppies have special beauty marks, and nails that polish up bright red. Others smell as sweet as can be. Some come in an ornament to hang on a Christmas tree! But the one thing they all share... none of these adorable kitties and puppies will have long to wait before loving little girls will collect them and give them all a happy home!

Mimi Gallery