Pigeon Pursuit
Interactive Cat Feeder | 2024
Problem Statement
Cats share 90% of their DNA with their wild ancestors and therefore still hold their primal instincts and energy. Cat owners do not know how to properly enrich their cats, resulting in cats showing stress symptoms like scratching, hiding, or aggresion. Theses symptoms lead to greater medical issues as well as may become damaging to the owners home.
Hypothesis
If a cat is given an outlet to release energy and practice a more natural and primal routine, then the cat will be less stressed and be less destructive in the house.
I interviewed a cat enrichment expert and author of “Indoor Cat” Laura Moss to learn more about current enrichment practices. Through this interview and reading the book I learned that cats need to engage with primal routines to reduce negative behaviors that are associated with stress and boredom.
Moving forward with the functions of the hunting pod I wanted to make the shape language more animalistic and primal. I started to create bird like forms using Gravity Sketch and 3D printing to rapid prototype.
The final form was both balanced with a tight mechanical package while still remaining elegant in its form.