Mocats I Mobili Multifunzionali Per Gatti

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The MoCats (Modular Cacoons for Cats), are multifunctional and eco-friendly furniture that allow your cat to scratch, climb, hide, observe, sleep and play; that can adapt to your lifestyle and the different spaces within your home.

Dimensions & Packaging

Independent module: 38 cm high x 38 cm wide x 25 cm deep

Assembly: the dimensions vary according to the form of assembly.

*The dimensions of the MoCats can increase in all their dimensions according to the space of the homes and the breed of the cats.

Tags

Ecofriendly, cats, pet products, cardboard, multifunctional, modular, flatpack

Production Technology

The MOCATs are made up of a series of pieces of Cardboard and Plywood, joined by pressure by an internal structure. The cardboard pieces form the floor, the ceiling and the internal walls of the modules; while plywood pieces form the internal structure and external walls.

We use digital design programs to create and optimize part templates and laser cutting machinery to manufacture each part of the module.

Design Challenge

The biggest challenge was to come up with a manufacturing process that did not include the use of toxic additives and, at the same time, allowed manufacturing to be quick and easy.

On the other hand, the prototyping process was also complicated, due to the time it takes to carry out each test; because we not only had to verify that the product works at the moment, but we also had to evaluate its results in medium and long term.

Research

We investigate feline behavior, in order to fully understand how the brain of cats works; for correctly enrich the environment and improve its quality of life. Likewise, prototyping help us define: materials; the dimension and resistance of the structure; weather resistance; the product assembly process; the user experience; the acceptance and frequency of use of the module by the cat; the improvement of the bond between the cat and its owner; the improvement of the behavior of the cat.

Inspiration

We are a couple of architects and cat owners, we create spaces that are totally for our cats, but at the same time can be adapted to our different daily activities.

This cat-scale spaces are based on the principles of seed accommodation, flexibility and modulation. That is, an element of progressive growth that begins as a minimum space, which will grow and change over time according to the needs throughout the life of the cat, the number of cats and the activities carried out in the home.

Project Duration

We started testing the first prototypes in January 2017 in Lima, and ended also in Lima in January 2021.

Operation Flow

Cats use meowing to communicate with us, and we should use scents to communicate with them. That is why the moment of interaction with the modules is the precise moment where we generate communication between cats and their owners.

That is why we seek that the product is not only functional, but also interactive. We want people to leave their scent when assembling each module, when configuring the different circuits, when changing parts and when playing with their cats.

Likewise, we give both users freedom of decision. Cats get it through multifunctionality; and their owners, by having several design options, so they can choose the pieces and configurations that best suit their lifestyle.

Patents

"Casa Modular para Mascotas. Nº002215-2018/DIN. Brian Geiser . 2018. Lima, Perú.

Image Credits

Image #1-5: Photographer Carolina Schwalb