The 1973 Cat with Derby PEZ Dispenser Is the Rare Kooky Zoo Classic Every Vintage Collector Wants to Track Down

If you have spent any time hunting vintage PEZ dispensers, you know there is something irresistible about the no-feet era. Those early dispensers carry a charm that later releases just cannot replicate, and the Cat with Derby is one of the most delightful examples from the entire Kooky Zoo lineup. Released in 1973, this little feline in a top hat is the kind of piece that makes you stop mid-scroll and say "I need that on my shelf."

Meet the Cat with Derby

The Cat with Derby is an original PEZ creation, part of the beloved Kooky Zoo series that gave collectors some of the most imaginative and quirky character designs in PEZ history. Unlike licensed characters tied to movies or television, the Kooky Zoo dispensers were entirely PEZ's own invention, which makes the Cat with Derby feel especially personal to the brand. There is no movie tie-in here, no franchise to reference. It is just a wonderfully expressive cat wearing a derby hat, because PEZ decided that was a fantastic idea in 1973, and honestly, they were right.

Physical Details and Color Variants

The Cat with Derby features a sculpted cat head with rounded cheeks and a small, perky nose, topped with a rounded derby hat sitting at a slightly rakish angle. The dispenser came in several color combinations, including orange head with a blue hat, black head with an orange or red hat, and orange head with a red hat. The blue hat variant is particularly sought after by collectors, as it appears in smaller quantities than the orange and red hat versions.

Like all PEZ dispensers from this era, the Cat with Derby has no feet on the stem, which immediately marks it as a vintage piece. Stems were produced both in Austria and Hong Kong during the early 1970s, and you will sometimes see patent markings like "2.6" or "3.4" on the stem, which help collectors date and authenticate examples. The no-feet stem is a key detail to verify when hunting for genuine vintage pieces.

"The Kooky Zoo dispensers from the early 1970s represent PEZ at its most inventive. No licensing deals, no outside characters, just pure creative joy. The Cat with Derby is exactly that energy in dispenser form, and finding one in nice condition still gives me that little rush every time."

A Notably Expressive Sculpt

What sets the Cat with Derby apart from other vintage animal dispensers is the personality packed into a small head. The sculpt has full, rounded cheeks that give the cat a slightly smug, satisfied expression, as if it knows it is the best-dressed animal in the room. Paired with the derby hat perched on top, the overall effect is somewhere between charming and slightly ridiculous in the best possible way. Some examples have slightly less pronounced cheeks than others, which is worth noting when comparing pieces side by side. The fuller-cheeked versions are generally considered more desirable by vintage collectors.

Collector Notes

• Released in 1973, no-feet stem, part of the original Kooky Zoo series
• Multiple color variants exist; blue derby hat version is the rarest and most valuable
• Patent markings on the stem (2.6 Austria or 3.4 Hong Kong) help authenticate vintage examples
• Look for full cheeks versus partial cheeks when comparing pieces
• Stem color also varies and can affect collector value
• A great entry point into Kooky Zoo collecting, and pairs beautifully with other 1973 animal dispensers

Display Ideas

The Cat with Derby fits naturally into a dedicated Kooky Zoo display alongside other animals from the 1970s no-feet era. Grouping it with pieces like the Panda, Gorilla, or Cockatoo from the same period creates a cohesive vintage vignette. It also works well in a broader 1973 PEZ display if you are working through that particular archive year, sitting nicely next to character and holiday dispensers from the same release window. If you collect vintage cats specifically, the Cat with Derby is a must-have centerpiece.

Whether you are deep into Kooky Zoo hunting or just beginning your vintage PEZ journey, the 1973 Cat with Derby is a piece worth knowing. It is not always easy to find in great condition, but when you do, it is one of those dispensers that earns a permanent spot on the shelf. 🍬

- 🍬 Callie