La Carmina is many things: she is the author of three books about Japanese pop culture and food (including Cute Yummy Time, for which she did all the photos and illustrations), updates a hugely popular blog that receives 2 million hits per month and has been featured in publications like the L.A. Times and The New Yorker, and sets trends with her own line of spooky-cute apparel! She's also devoted to her faithful furry companion (and fellow blogger) Basil Farrow. But even with such a busy schedule this mistress of Harajuku pop culture always makes time for her other passion: advocating animal rights!

We sat down with this Ivy Leaguer-turned-Gothic-fashionista to find out more about her commitment to animals – including ways she thinks people can be better guardians! Want to follow La Camina's lead? Take our Fur-Free Pledge and vow to end animal homelessness.

How did you first get involved with helping animals? Did you have any animal companions growing up?

As a child, I cared so dearly for animals that I didn't even distinguish between real and plush! I was horrified to see my friends throw around their stuffed animals; I always made sure mine were clean and standing upright. I even bought cans of real cat food for my Hello Kitties.
Growing up, I shared my home with fish, turtles, budgies and lovebirds. Birds are incredibly intelligent and affectionate beings – if you socialize them right. I feel most people treat their birds like fancy decorations, and it breaks my heart.

Tell us about your cat, Basil Farrow.

Basil Farrow is a Scottish Fold cat, hence the tiny fold-ears. He was raised by activist/actress Mia Farrow and she loved him dearly – but her recent travels didn't let her spend enough time with him. So he came to live with me. It was a tough decision, but she knew this was best for his well-being.
Basil isn't a typical cat – he's more like a sweet little kid or teddy bear! He loves to meet people; he'll come when you call his name and lick your hand. Not many cats will demand tummy rubs and to be carried around. You can see in his videos and blog blog just how affectionate he is.

Why is spaying and neutering such an important part of responsible companion animal care?
Many people don't realize that millions of unwanted animals are killed every year, simply because they are homeless. Pet births are a ticket to misery and death for the mother and litter – and they're so easily preventable by spaying and neutering. So let's do our part! Plus, a spayed or neutered pet is less aggressive and less prone to certain health problems. There is simply no excuse for not having this simple operation done as early as possible.

Tell us about your decision not to wear fur.
I never had any desire to wear fur. My parents' generation "oohed" and "ahhed" over pelts, but mine has a very different attitude. As a child, whenever a relative proudly showed me her furs, I'd refuse to touch it and scold, "That comes from a cute bunny or fox!" Growing up in the 80s and 90s, I learned about the cruelty of wearing animals from my peers and the media. And I'm optimistic that the next generations will be even more anti-fur.

Your Friend In Music (and fashion occasionally)

-Ray