Comments on: Out of This World or Over the Top? http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/ Modern designs for living with cats Mon, 15 Mar 2010 03:00:30 -0700 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.5 hourly 1 By: May http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44875 May Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:54:01 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44875 I love my 4 cats- they have 5 cat trees, a tunnel, 3 beds, 2 strollers, and over a hundred toys- prices ranging from $ 1- 59.00. I play with them every day. Brush them too, feed them BG and freeze dried Stella and Chewys. But I don't have a chair for myself that costs $1200. I do love the dog design and think my cats would too, but I can't afford it. If I had extra money, I'd donate to a cat shelter. I love my 4 cats- they have 5 cat trees, a tunnel, 3 beds, 2 strollers, and over a hundred toys- prices ranging from $ 1- 59.00. I play with them every day. Brush them too, feed them BG and freeze dried Stella and Chewys.
But I don’t have a chair for myself that costs $1200. I do love the dog design and think my cats would too, but I can’t afford it. If I had extra money, I’d donate to a cat shelter.

]]> By: Linda http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44733 Linda Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:17:05 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44733 my comment continues: i love new things too, creative and interesting, but the cat scratcher is nothing new, nothing interesting...and that stool? i do not even see properly how does it function, what is special about it? the bull-terrier is really cute and new idea though and I believe cats would scratch on it, at least mine. I am not offended by the price, but I wouldn't buy it. It is not worth the money. And I am also the one looking for some artistic, modern pieces and still this one is not worth it. my comment continues:
i love new things too, creative and interesting, but the cat scratcher is nothing new, nothing interesting…and that stool? i do not even see properly how does it function, what is special about it?
the bull-terrier is really cute and new idea though and I believe cats would scratch on it, at least mine. I am not offended by the price, but I wouldn’t buy it. It is not worth the money. And I am also the one looking for some artistic, modern pieces and still this one is not worth it.

]]> By: Paul http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44717 Paul Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:36:49 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44717 These products are fun and interesting. I can't blame so many for being taken aback by the price, considering we are now a Wal-Mart nation. Nobody cares to pay an artisan for quality, hand-made products. I applaud a company for charging a fair price for an item that isn't made by machines or overseas. People would rather buy lattes and fast food on a daily basis than save for a conversation piece for their home and pet. Sigh. Paul These products are fun and interesting. I can’t blame so many for being taken aback by the price, considering we are now a Wal-Mart nation.

Nobody cares to pay an artisan for quality, hand-made products. I applaud a company for charging a fair price for an item that isn’t made by machines or overseas.

People would rather buy lattes and fast food on a daily basis than save for a conversation piece for their home and pet. Sigh.

Paul

]]> By: C M http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44714 C M Thu, 05 Nov 2009 03:07:38 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44714 I frequent this site to be inspired. Too often cat products are depressing at best. While the cost of some things featured are right up there, I love seeing new and creative designs - no matter the cost. There are often ideas regarding texture, shape and utility that I can incorporate. The bull terrier scrathcher is amazing, hilarious and creative all at once. OTT absolutely, but where would we be if nothing was! I frequent this site to be inspired. Too often cat products are depressing at best. While the cost of some things featured are right up there, I love seeing new and creative designs – no matter the cost. There are often ideas regarding texture, shape and utility that I can incorporate. The bull terrier scrathcher is amazing, hilarious and creative all at once. OTT absolutely, but where would we be if nothing was!

]]> By: Rebecca http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44706 Rebecca Thu, 05 Nov 2009 01:40:01 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44706 My experience is that if you buy something really expensive for your cat and you WANT them to scratch on it, they will laugh at you for spending that much money and go claw YOUR beautiful couch to teach you a lesson! And just to rub it in your face a little more, play with the box it came in! I really couldn't tell you if it's worth the price. It would depend on the price mark-up percentage. It looks really nice, but what does it actually cost to make? You might be able to find something similar at a world market bazzar for a fraction of the price or as other readers have suggested, make it a DYI project (if your crafty). My experience is that if you buy something really expensive for your cat and you WANT them to scratch on it, they will laugh at you for spending that much money and go claw YOUR beautiful couch to teach you a lesson! And just to rub it in your face a little more, play with the box it came in!

I really couldn’t tell you if it’s worth the price. It would depend on the price mark-up percentage. It looks really nice, but what does it actually cost to make? You might be able to find something similar at a world market bazzar for a fraction of the price or as other readers have suggested, make it a DYI project (if your crafty).

]]> By: slave to cats http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44695 slave to cats Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:55:49 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44695 I don't know if I want to live in a world with the same old tacky and mundane cat scratchers and condos. I like seeing creativity if its not for the cat then for people. The prices are way over my budget but I'm not offended for Christ's sake. I'm offended at how many cats and dogs are being abandoned at my shelter but not this. How does one unsult poverty anyway? Just either enjoy it or don't, that simple. I don’t know if I want to live in a world with the same old tacky and mundane cat scratchers and condos. I like seeing creativity if its not for the cat then for people. The prices are way over my budget but I’m not offended for Christ’s sake. I’m offended at how many cats and dogs are being abandoned at my shelter but not this. How does one unsult poverty anyway? Just either enjoy it or don’t, that simple.

]]> By: q http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44682 q Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:13:54 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44682 i agree with marc. if you don't want to pay that much for a cat scratcher, fine. feel free to pat yourself on the back for your superior values. the idea of putting down anyone who would buy them is, despite your professed love of charitable causes, pretty uncharitable. i agree with marc. if you don’t want to pay that much for a cat scratcher, fine. feel free to pat yourself on the back for your superior values. the idea of putting down anyone who would buy them is, despite your professed love of charitable causes, pretty uncharitable.

]]> By: Elan http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44681 Elan Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:18:16 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44681 I think its a GREAT solution! Why should we pet peeps have to alter the look of our homes bc we want to give our pets the things they need, ie: a scratcher. I think this is genius! I think its a GREAT solution! Why should we pet peeps have to alter the look of our homes bc we want to give our pets the things they need, ie: a scratcher. I think this is genius!

]]> By: amanda http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44679 amanda Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:54:43 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44679 these products are obviously for a very niche market. when you consider how many wealthy cat owners declaw their cats because they want to protect their furniture and don't like what's available to them to put in their living rooms - i think these art/funtional scratchers fill an important void. i love them!!!! these products are obviously for a very niche market. when you consider how many wealthy cat owners declaw their cats because they want to protect their furniture and don’t like what’s available to them to put in their living rooms – i think these art/funtional scratchers fill an important void. i love them!!!!

]]> By: Marc http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44677 Marc Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:29:34 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44677 I get the esthetic comments. Not every piece of art will appeal to everyone. But anyone insulted or outraged about the pricing should try smoking some catnip! I don't believe the creators were trying to convince anyone to cut their contributions to cat shelters short in order to get one of these (in my view) objet's d'art. The pricing reflects the amount of work that has to go into the creation and fabrication of an item like this and is not outrageous in that sense. I get the esthetic comments. Not every piece of art will appeal to everyone.
But anyone insulted or outraged about the pricing should try smoking some catnip! I don’t believe the creators were trying to convince anyone to cut their contributions to cat shelters short in order to get one of these (in my view) objet’s d’art.
The pricing reflects the amount of work that has to go into the creation and fabrication of an item like this and is not outrageous in that sense.

]]> By: cindy http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44648 cindy Wed, 04 Nov 2009 02:40:07 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44648 As an interior designer who is also chief of staff to two cats, I think there are far better looking "decor" pieces for cats out there, and at much more realistic prices. The choice of materials is dull. They could have incorporated recycled carpet for texture and color variation. If you happen to be new to moderncat and want to see what I'm talking about re better looking pieces, check their archives. Time will tell if there are enough people with more money than sense to keep this venture afloat. As an interior designer who is also chief of staff to two cats, I think there are far better looking “decor” pieces for cats out there, and at much more realistic prices. The choice of materials is dull. They could have incorporated recycled carpet for texture and color variation.
If you happen to be new to moderncat and want to see what I’m talking about re better looking pieces, check their archives.

Time will tell if there are enough people with more money than sense to keep this venture afloat.

]]> By: lyd K. http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44643 lyd K. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 01:51:08 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44643 I does seem that if you have money to throw around, there are better uses for it, and I agree with "mollysusie" about cats wanting to destroy their things. They are pretty cool looking though and I love that scottish fold! it's soooo cute with those fat little legs! I does seem that if you have money to throw around, there are better uses for it, and I agree with “mollysusie” about cats wanting to destroy their things. They are pretty cool looking though and I love that scottish fold! it’s soooo cute with those fat little legs!

]]> By: Linda http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44636 Linda Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:47:18 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44636 I saw this in NYTimes, home section. Honestly, some companies try to make $$$ on animals just because people like them. The price is ridiculous. I have bought all new designs for my kitty, but this? It has no such a value. The kitty is going to destroy it anyway. Good idea, just get somewhere an iron kitty (if you are looking properly, you will find one - maybe on Ebay?) or a wooden kitty...whatever....and wrap the sisal rope around, fill with some carbon pieces in case of an iron kitty. You might finish with the same design if you are detail oriented. Wow!!! I have to thank myself for this idea. I might just do it for my bengal! I saw this in NYTimes, home section. Honestly, some companies try to make $$$ on animals just because people like them. The price is ridiculous. I have bought all new designs for my kitty, but this? It has no such a value. The kitty is going to destroy it anyway.
Good idea, just get somewhere an iron kitty (if you are looking properly, you will find one – maybe on Ebay?) or a wooden kitty…whatever….and wrap the sisal rope around, fill with some carbon pieces in case of an iron kitty. You might finish with the same design if you are detail oriented. Wow!!! I have to thank myself for this idea. I might just do it for my bengal!

]]> By: jmuhj http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44625 jmuhj Tue, 03 Nov 2009 23:02:51 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44625 I'm unemployed, too; and I spend more on my feline family members than on myself, too; but I'm not offended by these. Any designer who makes a dog-shaped scratcher that cats can get on and scratch the living bejeeberz out of has my heart. ;) I’m unemployed, too; and I spend more on my feline family members than on myself, too; but I’m not offended by these. Any designer who makes a dog-shaped scratcher that cats can get on and scratch the living bejeeberz out of has my heart. ;)

]]> By: 10 cat Mom http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44621 10 cat Mom Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:47:50 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44621 I do like the sisal dog, but I cannot imagine paying that much for a cat scratcher. I am not sure I would consider it even if we won a huge Power Ball lottery. Sisal is good for cats to scratch though. I do like the sisal dog, but I cannot imagine paying that much for a cat scratcher. I am not sure I would consider it even if we won a huge Power Ball lottery. Sisal is good for cats to scratch though.

]]> By: Daniela Caride http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44612 Daniela Caride Tue, 03 Nov 2009 21:00:04 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44612 They don't strike me as beautiful, so I wouldn't buy them, no matter the price. BTW, talking about price, that's so part of capitalism. If someone has the money and buys them, there's a market. No right or wrong, I guess. They don’t strike me as beautiful, so I wouldn’t buy them, no matter the price. BTW, talking about price, that’s so part of capitalism. If someone has the money and buys them, there’s a market. No right or wrong, I guess.

]]> By: Rebecca http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44601 Rebecca Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:52:40 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44601 Crazy Expensive! I love the silhouette cat scratcher but would never pay that kind of money for it... hmmm.. perhaps these are good DIY projects! Crazy Expensive! I love the silhouette cat scratcher but would never pay that kind of money for it… hmmm.. perhaps these are good DIY projects!

]]> By: tonka http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44600 tonka Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:50:57 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44600 @Mandy "...I think the cat furniture market has begun to assume everyone who cares about their pets AND style are exceedingly affluent…or insane." LOL, I agree. When I first saw these I thought how fabulous and when I called for prices, I was in disbelief. Good luck to them but that's just insane! I get that they're handmade to order but, there are just way too many buts and it just made me google sisal remnants (http://www.naturalarearugs.com/sisal-remnants.php). Now I can design my own pieces :p. -Cheryl @Mandy “…I think the cat furniture market has begun to assume everyone who cares about their pets AND style are exceedingly affluent…or insane.” LOL, I agree.

When I first saw these I thought how fabulous and when I called for prices, I was in disbelief. Good luck to them but that’s just insane! I get that they’re handmade to order but, there are just way too many buts and it just made me google sisal remnants (http://www.naturalarearugs.com/sisal-remnants.php). Now I can design my own pieces :p.

-Cheryl

]]> By: James http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44597 James Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:34:15 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44597 Oh, and that Scottish Fold in the pics is ADORABLE!! Oh, and that Scottish Fold in the pics is ADORABLE!!

]]> By: James http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44596 James Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:33:34 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44596 I agree with Cathrine above. Not everything you have for your cat has to be chic and cutting edge, especially if it is ultimately get destroyed by claws. I'd say if you want to spend that much money, buy a WAY more affordable scratcher and donate the difference to a good kitty charity. =^..^= I agree with Cathrine above. Not everything you have for your cat has to be chic and cutting edge, especially if it is ultimately get destroyed by claws. I’d say if you want to spend that much money, buy a WAY more affordable scratcher and donate the difference to a good kitty charity. =^..^=

]]> By: ChessieCat http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44586 ChessieCat Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:28:44 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44586 I think the chair looks clunky and a bit too rustic for my tastes, though I am sure there's a living room out there somewhere that this would complement. I got a kick out of the bull, for sure. I can just imagine my cats playing lion v. wildebeest with that thing. The cat-shaped scratcher is cute, but not the cat's meow. Ha. Aesthetics aside, this company is charging a LOT. I mean... seriously. I wonder how their sales are... or will be. I think the chair looks clunky and a bit too rustic for my tastes, though I am sure there’s a living room out there somewhere that this would complement. I got a kick out of the bull, for sure. I can just imagine my cats playing lion v. wildebeest with that thing. The cat-shaped scratcher is cute, but not the cat’s meow. Ha.

Aesthetics aside, this company is charging a LOT. I mean… seriously. I wonder how their sales are… or will be.

]]> By: Brianne http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44583 Brianne Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:08:48 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44583 Five-years ago, I spent $550 on a floor-to-ceiling custom-designed cat tree, which matches our decor and has individually replaceable parts, so I can replace the worn out sisal posts and tired hammocks as the need arises. It seemed exorbitant, but turned out to be well worth the price. Incidentally, I have a $1400 sofa which has now been relegated to the basement for the exclusive use of the dogs after a few too many kitty claws found its upholstery. Even the year or two of use we got out of it doesn't make me feel the money spent was worth it, just so my cats can sharpen their claws. I doubt the loss of $1200 would feel much better. Five-years ago, I spent $550 on a floor-to-ceiling custom-designed cat tree, which matches our decor and has individually replaceable parts, so I can replace the worn out sisal posts and tired hammocks as the need arises. It seemed exorbitant, but turned out to be well worth the price.

Incidentally, I have a $1400 sofa which has now been relegated to the basement for the exclusive use of the dogs after a few too many kitty claws found its upholstery. Even the year or two of use we got out of it doesn’t make me feel the money spent was worth it, just so my cats can sharpen their claws. I doubt the loss of $1200 would feel much better.

]]> By: michelle http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44578 michelle Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:00:37 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44578 I believe the title of this article, Out of This World or Over the Top?, is the exactly right...either decision equals ridiculous. Yes, some of the items, really just one...the bull terrier, are cute; however, the prices of these items are outrageous! I am an extreme lover of cats (and a veterinarian), but I don't think a toy should cost this much money, especially when you never known if your cat will play with it or not. I also agree with the few in that the money would be better serviced as a charitable donation. I believe the title of this article, Out of This World or Over the Top?, is the exactly right…either decision equals ridiculous. Yes, some of the items, really just one…the bull terrier, are cute; however, the prices of these items are outrageous! I am an extreme lover of cats (and a veterinarian), but I don’t think a toy should cost this much money, especially when you never known if your cat will play with it or not. I also agree with the few in that the money would be better serviced as a charitable donation.

]]> By: CPJ http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44576 CPJ Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:54:55 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44576 Don't get me wrong, I'm all about the cats having nice things, but the cost of these just seems way too excessive. Especially with the economy the way it is and people having to surrender animals to shelters because they can't afford to care for them anymore. Imagine what this kind of money would do for them! Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about the cats having nice things, but the cost of these just seems way too excessive. Especially with the economy the way it is and people having to surrender animals to shelters because they can’t afford to care for them anymore. Imagine what this kind of money would do for them!

]]> By: Cosmo & Les http://www.moderncat.net/2009/11/02/out-of-this-world-or-over-the-top/comment-page-1/#comment-44575 Cosmo & Les Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:54:17 +0000 http://www.moderncat.net/?p=5360#comment-44575 Honestly, these items are a bit dull, considering they are sold first and foremost to suit the human client. Cats do like to scratch on sisal, but they can't distinguish between $15 sisal and $1500 sisal. If I were to purchase a "luxury" cat item, I'd expect it to be a little more luxurious, especially for the price. Honestly, these items are a bit dull, considering they are sold first and foremost to suit the human client. Cats do like to scratch on sisal, but they can’t distinguish between $15 sisal and $1500 sisal. If I were to purchase a “luxury” cat item, I’d expect it to be a little more luxurious, especially for the price.

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