The stereotypical “cat lady” has been around for decades, often depicted as a disheveled woman who lives alone with her several felines. Rarely is one stylish, unless you’re talking about Selina Kyle.
That stereotype, however, may be on its ninth life as companies ditch ugly beige-carpeted cat trees and cheap cardboard scratchers and instead offer chic, high-quality cat furniture and accessories.
Like who?
- Happy and Polly offers a variety of quirky cat furniture, though it trends more whimsical (even its “goth” items are adorable).
- Mau offers elegant furniture in a modern palette of earth and gem tones.
- Hammer Woodworking Co sells wooden cat furniture and accessories.
There’s also a growing market for “catios” — the feline version of a chicken coup — that allows cats to safely play outdoors. Lance Harding, founder of Cat Topia, told The Wall Street Journal that his catios start at ~$6k for a basic model, but his most elaborate build cost $125k.
Why now?
More people than ever are adopting cats: In 2023, 40m households had at least one. In 2024, 49m did — a 23% increase, per the American Pet Products Association. Pet owners are also spending more on the furry friends they increasingly consider family.
Ashley O’Bryan founded Fluff & Boots, which sells the Knead-It Pad — a claw-friendly, portable mat covered in soft faux fur with a shock-absorbing insert. She was inspired after being unable to find anything suitable for her own cats to safely knead, an instinctual behavior that cats will often perform on blankets, pillows, or clothes.
She attributes the design shift to a broader interest in durable, ethically-made home goods and clothes over fast-fashion and disposables, and an eye for quality aesthetics.
“Pets aren’t an afterthought; they’re part of a broader lifestyle, and the products we buy for them live directly in our homes and daily routines," O'Bryan told The Hustle. "People want pieces that blend into their space, not things they feel like they have to hide.”
Fun fact: We’re not saying this fits every design scheme, but if you have $3.8k, you could order this 10-foot tall cat tree that looks like a magical fantasy tree.
