Mocats: Multifunctional Cat Furniture by La Jato del Gato

Architects Create Eco-friendly, Modular Spaces for Cats

The Mocats, short for Modular Cocoons for Cats, stand out due to their multifunctionality and eco-friendliness. These furniture pieces allow cats to scratch, climb, hide, observe, sleep, and play, while also adapting to different spaces within a home. The design is a unique blend of form and function, crafted with the intent to enhance the lifestyle of both the pet and the owner.

The Mocats are constructed from pieces of cardboard and plywood, joined by pressure by an internal structure. The cardboard pieces form the floor, ceiling, and internal walls of the modules, while the plywood pieces form the internal structure and external walls. The team uses digital design programs to create and optimize part templates and laser cutting machinery to manufacture each part of the module.

One of the unique aspects of Mocats is the interaction it encourages between cats and their owners. The designers believe that cats use meowing to communicate with humans, and humans should use scents to communicate with them. This belief led to the creation of a product that is not only functional but also interactive, fostering a stronger bond between the cat and its owner.

The design process of Mocats began in January 2017 in Lima and concluded in January 2021. The team faced challenges in developing a manufacturing process that did not include the use of toxic additives and was also quick and easy. The prototyping process was also complex due to the time required for each test, which included evaluating its results in the medium and long term.

The Mocats project has been recognized for its innovative design and has been awarded Silver in A' Pet Care, Toys, Supplies and Products for Animals Design Award in 2023. This award is given to top-of-the-line, creative, and professionally remarkable designs that illustrate outstanding expertise and innovation.