Neko Goten: A Luxurious Cat Tower with a Touch of Japanese Craftsmanship

Hitomi Otake's Award-Winning Design Marries Functionality and Aesthetics in Pet Furniture

The inspiration for "Neko Goten" came from the desire to create a safe, compact play area for cats that could fit in a Japanese rental house or cat cafe. The design is a result of meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of cat behavior. It is not just a play area for cats but also a high-end piece of furniture that adds to the aesthetics of any interior.

What sets "Neko Goten" apart from other cat towers is its luxurious design and the consideration given to the comfort of cats. The interior and the gravity of the interior have been carefully designed to please both the cat and the owner. It is a cat tower that caters to the needs of the cat while also enhancing the look of the room it is placed in.

"Neko Goten" is a product of the skills of furniture craftsmen and the use of wood from Fukui Prefecture. It is made of oak and cedar wood and is hand-finished by craftsmen. The design is a showcase of Japanese craftsmanship and the beauty of wood grain.

The cat tower is designed with a staircase on the left side with a hole in the ground and a clawing board next to the staircase. The cat can relax in the clear hemisphere above it. In the middle, the cat runs on a roller, and the upper sphere is the cat's home. The lower part on the right side is the cat's food area, where plates and food can be stored. Above that is the cat's bed area. This is a play area for the cat that can be climbed up the stairs above it or played on the catwalk.

Despite its large size and various functions, "Neko Goten" was developed for use in rental houses, cat cafes, and veterinary clinics where home renovation for cats is not possible. The challenge was to make it fit into Japanese homes. The packaging and delivery methods were also considered, including shipping to overseas locations.

The "Neko Goten" project began in Tokyo in January 2020, with completion in June 2020 and a Japanese crowdfunding launch in July 2020. The design is a result of extensive research and a variety of opinions taken into account, including the habits of cats, the environment surrounding cats, and what people who own cats are looking for in a cat owner.