In today’s world, many of us consider every square inch of our living space important, and for those of that fall into aesthete category, style matters just as much as function. Then for those that live with four-legged household members, we often have to sacrifice design in order to make our furry friends happy. While some designers have definitely stepped up in the name of pet furniture, there’s still plenty of room for creatives to start thinking outside the box, litter or otherwise. One doing just that is Portuguese designer Ricardo Sá who created Choo Choo, a feline-friendly console that both you and your cat can live happily ever after with.
Inspired by the sleek silhouette of a bullet train, Choo Choo is made from natural materials, like wood and cane webbing, which brings a sophisticated warmth to the exterior. From the outside, you would never know what the inside hides. Shelves in the middle can be shared between pet and human for either storage or a cozy safe space for sleep. The cane’s perforations let your cat view the world around them while satisfying their natural curiosity without them having to venture too far from their favorite spot.
The plinth of the console is outfitted with cat-friendly fabric allowing your cat a soft place to clean their paws and nails.
Behind Choo Choo’s side door there’s a compartment designed to fit a litter box that’s out of sight for both you and your visitors. The door makes it easily accessible when it’s time to clean but keeps it hidden the rest of the time. Square cutouts on either side give cats access to the unit whenever it’s time for them to take a nap, groom, hide out, or use the bathroom.
The rest of the shelves can be left empty if your cat needs more room to maneuver, but they can just as easily be filled with additional cat essentials or other items you want to tuck away.
If you’re interested in a piece of furniture to hide the litter box and cat nip, and/or you want to help bring this clever concept to life, visit Ricardo Sá’s Behance page or Instagram.
