The latest addition to the collection of chic cardboard cat loungers from Kittypod, is the Chiapod. Designed by Patrick Chia for Kittypod, this compact form has a concave top providing a comfortable resting spot for kitty, and a convex underside that creates a subtle rocking movement. Each Chiapod is hand-shaped from a solid block of laminated tri-wall cardboard. The Chiapod is not actually mentioned on the Kittypod website, but it is available from a handful of retailers, including The Pet Quarter.

Included on the list of terrific products from the folks at ItchyKnee are these very attractive wall barrels. Suspend them from the wall to create a climbing station and napping spot. They come in three lengths, the two larger sizes have peepholes for sneaking in and out.

Don’t want to hang them on your wall? The small barrels are also available with a floor stand, or you can stack them together to create a fun climbing tower.

The barrels can be ordered on the ItchyKnee website. While you’re there, check out their plush mouse toys, too.

This is the first posting under the theme “Mid-century Moderncat” where I will highlight mid-twentieth century modern art and design featuring cats in some form or another.

To start the series, I’d like to share with you these beautiful acrylic cat sculptures by Brazilian artist Abraham Palatnik. The op art design is embedded inside the acrylic form, making the pattern visible from both sides. These are just two designs from a large collection of animal sculptures that he created using the same technique.

Featuring modern sculptural forms and incredible abstract patterns, these pieces are extremely collectible. They can usually be found on eBay and other auction sites. The two excellent examples shown above both came from ModCats.

To make sure kitty is as comfortable as she can be, get her one of these plush pillow-top pads from modern pet design firm Petbitat. The thick cushion has a polyfill upper layer over a foam under layer and is covered in durable cotton, polyester, or denim fabric. The pad cover is easy to remove and machine washable, plus there are several designer colors and patterns to choose from. Kitty may prefer this bed instead of your pillow-top mattress.

Give kitty a little retro flair with this hip flower identification tag from George, the same folks who make the kitty grocery pack. You can even have the ID tag engraved with up to four lines of information at no extra charge.

The Cat Owner’s Manual and its companion The Cat Owner’s Maintenance Log, make a great gift for any moderncat owner. Both are filled with extremely useful information and the best illustrations ever. Not only are these valuable resources, but they are endlessly entertaining. Published by Quirk Books.

Buy it now at Amazon

No need to share your Fatboy beanbag chair anymore. Kitty can have his very own
Catbag from the makers of the original Fatboy. Just perfect for an afternoon nap, the Catbag has a removable outer bag to make cleaning easy. Comes in a variety of hip colors complete with a fishbone graphic.

The model moderncat, Kam Kam, can now accompany you to the office to brighten-up your day. The mouse pad, paperclip holder, and calculator are just a few of the items in the Pets@Work desk accessory line featuring the mod kitten and her canine companion Don Don. How can you help but smile with these on your desk? The Pets@Work line is designed and manufactured in Hong Kong and is being distributed in the U.S. by DevineProject.

Looking for a smart way to take your moderncat out jet-setting in style? Consider one of the fashionable and functional Argo pet carriers from Teafco. These carriers are made with the highest quality construction and materials, and they come in a number of different styles. All are ultra light weight with a molded exterior and cozy padded interior. Made from high quality nylon, Argo carriers are durable, water resistant, and easy to clean. The dual-layer mesh windows allow for ventilation and visibility, plus the inner mesh is reinforced, preventing damage from claws or teeth.

The Petascope, pictured above, comes in two sizes, the smaller of which can fit underneath an airline seat. The Aero-pet carrier, below, is available in three sizes that all meet airline requirements for pet carriers. All designs come in a number of cool designer colors.

Buy Argo pet carriers now at Amazon

Another find at the SuperZoo pet expo, was the Eco Nap pet mat from West Paw Design. These earth-friendly pet mats are handcrafted in Bozeman, Montana and made from fabric milled in the U.S. using 85% post-consumer recycled plastic. In other words, soda bottles. Even the inside filling uses recycled content. Each one of these beds actually keeps up to 40 soda bottles from going into the landfill. The fabric is extremely soft, but also durable and machine washable.

Buy the Eco Nap Mat now at Amazon

Treat your moderncat to a little organic catnip from sojos. Hand-harvested in the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, this catnip is 100% certified organic and sure to make kitty feel oh-so-fine.

Making its U.S. debut at the SuperZoo pet industry show this week in Las Vegas, is a new line of Italian pet furniture by b.pet. Unlike anything else at the show, this extremely modern collection is obviously rooted in Italian design. Five different bed styles include the minimalist Tube and Ring, the retro-pop Bubble, the modernist-inspired Squared, and the more elaborate Wave. All are made in Italy and are currently being imported to the U.S. by Kylo Importers.

If you’re looking for an alternative to cardboard cat furniture, the Cabitat offers an excellent option. Made from a single piece of molded plastic, the Cabitat provides a cave-like hideaway that is durable and easy to clean. The organic form has a door opening plus smaller window openings that allow kitty to watch what’s happening from inside their cozy quarters. This futuristic-looking cat cave even has a removable, washable carpet. Available in white, red, black, and grey granite.

Moderncat will be attending the 2007 SuperZoo pet product expo next week in Las Vegas. Check back here Tuesday and Wednesday for live updates on the coolest new products for your moderncat.

One of Moderncat’s most favorite pieces of modern cat furniture is Rondo by cat-interiors. The elegantly simple form and choice of materials allow Rondo to fit seamlessly into a modern home. Not only is Rondo beautiful, but it is also multi-functional, serving as a bed, scratching surface, and climbing platform. Rondo can be used with the sturdy freestanding base or it can be mounted to the wall with hidden hardware.

The outer covering is available in natural wicker, or in various colors of felt or leather. The interior is fitted with two cusions, one on the back surface and a bed cushion on the bottom. Both cushions come with removable brushed wool fleece covers that are machine washable. Replacement cushions can be purchased separately.

In order to allow your cat to use the outer surface of Rondo as a scratching surface, separate scratch covers are available, made from hardwearing needle felt. The scratch covers come in a variety of colors and attach securely around the form with Velcro fasteners.

Rondo is one of several products from cat-interiors that can be considered a true design object.

Your moderncat will love this sleek platform bed made from molded plywood with walnut veneer. The cushion is covered in ultrasuede, creating a perfect lounge spot for any stylish feline. Available directly from Pre Fab Pets.

This beautiful feeding dish by designer Karim Rashid, cleverly integrates a handle into the sculptural, organic form. The ceramic Yum Bowl is microwave safe and has a non-skid bottom. Available in two sizes. The Yum Bowl can be purchased at Cheengoo Boutique.

The smooth curves and irresistible textures of these cardboard scratcher beds from Marmalade Pet Care will be sure to please even the finickiest moderncat. Made from heavy-weight corrugated cardboard with hardboard outer walls, these beds come in two different styles. The swooping slide of the Cheeky Chaise and the continuous form of the Sweet Lounge both provide plenty of scratching surface, plus they create concave resting spots, perfect for a cat nap. These beds are handcrafted in the US and are made from renewable and recyclable materials.

Buy the Cheeky Chaise and the Sweet Lounge now at Amazon

This trio of toys from San Francisco-based George will provide hours of entertainment for your moderncat. The kitty grocery pack includes three cat favorites–one bright red cardinal, a fish, and a bottle of milk. Each is made of felt and stuffed with organic catnip. The set comes packaged in a letter-pressed sack that may prove to be kitty’s favorite part of the gift.

Canadian firm Vurv Design has taken a characteristically modern material– molded plywood–and used it to design this sleek bed. The Wowo pet bed comes in a variety of veneers including walnut, jatoba, and bamboo. This beautiful lounger would look great in any modern home. Perhaps kitty will stay off your vintage Eames lounge if she has one of these for herself.