New from the U.K. comes a unique approach to indoor climbing — the Hicat climbing system. Designed with a cat’s natural climbing instincts in mind, this system of products includes vertical climbing elements that extend from floor to ceiling.

The clean contemporary forms are available in a variety of configurations and textures. The larger vertical element can include access holes and internal shelves, kind of like a tree hole for napping or surveying the living room.

Hicat is not yet available, but it can be pre-ordered now and is expected to ship in the U.K. sometime around August 2008. The manufacturer is currently seeking U.S. distribution.

Have you ever wished for furniture that is both beautiful and durable — durable enough for kitty? Your wish has been granted! Introducing a new line of living room furniture from Cat Livin’. Covered in high-quality sisal, these pieces are designed to withstand feline abuse while maintaining their good looks. In collaboration with furniture manufacturer Viesso, Cat Livin’ has created a completely customizable collection, starting with this attractive ottoman. Available in 17 colors with a variety of leg designs, you can create one to match your decor perfectly. And you won’t have to wait a lifetime to receive your custom order, you will have it just three weeks after you place an order.

Beauty and creativity come together in this incredible line of products for living with cats by Dutch designer Marly Gommans. The collection, called ‘Cats in Style,’ includes a scratching post, a covered litter box, a pillow bed, and a concept for a cat door.

Made using natural materials like wool felt and sisal rope, these pieces are eco-conscious in addition to being beautiful and functional.

Another Moderncat favorite from the Global Pet Expo was the streamlined and stylish CatVantage modular cat tree system. There are lots of great things to call-out about this product. First, it’s designed to take up very little floor space by extending between the floor and ceiling with a unique, modular design that can fit ceilings up to 10 feet. Also, the products used in the CatVantage are earth-friendly, using 100% recycled PVC for the components of the central column with carpet-covered birch steps.

The pieces of the tree fit together to form a sturdy staircase leading to a large loft at the top. An optional sisal scratching pad can be attached to the tree and the company is currently working on other add-on components.

The PVC and birch model (shown to the right above) is currently available by calling the folks at CatVantage. They are also developing an all-wood version (pictured in the video above) that will be out later this year.

This month, we are thrilled to be giving away the newly designed cat tree from the folks at TrendyCat. This beautiful and practical cat tree is like nothing you’ve seen before. It has two levels with large 16″ by 18″ cushioned perching shelves. The shelf supports are sisal covered scratching posts, with the tallest one measuring 30″ for maximum kitty stretching. It has a solid base for stability and is constructed with high quality bolts–no staples!

Like all the other TrendyCat products, the new cat tree is made of sustainable bamboo and birch hardwoods, and is finished with a durable, non-toxic satin finish. TrendyCat products never contain particle board or MDF and each one is handcrafted in the USA.

The winner will get to choose either the natural or the caramel finish. Sign-up now for your chance to win this terrific giveaway! (This giveaway can only be shipped to the US or Canada.)

I made it through 240,000 square feet of pet products at the Global Pet Expo in San Diego this week and I found several brand new items that I am very excited to share with you. First, we have the new Craftsman Series Feline Furniture from Mr. Herzher’s. These pieces caught my eye because of the simple, clean lines inspired by the American Craftsman style. Not necessarily modern, but definitely a style that can be incorporated into a modern or contemporary interior.

Made of solid wood construction, this line of quality cat furniture will come in two finishes, the brown shown above and also a more contemporary ebony finish. There are three styles, the single seat, the double seat, and the deluxe double seat that includes a premium sisal scratching surface. The seating areas are upholstered in durable, soft micro-suede.

The Craftsman Series Feline Furniture will be available this spring. I will be posting more great finds from the Pet Expo throughout the week.

If you’re looking for eco-friendly options in cat towers as well as clean, contemporary design, then these models from TrendyCat may be just the thing for you. Handmade in the USA from solid bamboo with absolutely no particle board or MDF, the TrendyCat towers are some of the greenest cat furniture I’ve come across. The towers are available in three sizes ranging from 3 feet to 5 feet tall, and come in two finishes, the lighter natural color and a darker caramel color, which is actually produced by caramelizing the bamboo during the manufacturing process, not simply by staining it. The bamboo is finished with non-toxic satin polyurethane.

The medium and tall towers shown above both include two cantilevered sisal-covered shelves, perfect for perching or scratching. Replacement shelves can be purchased separately if the sisal becomes worn over time. All three models, including the small tower, have padded cushions, which are also replaceable.

These towers are a bit of an investment, but they offer the kind of quality that is sure to last for many years.

Available directly from TrendyCat.

This sleek reinterpretation of the cat tower from The Refined Feline brings a touch of Zen into the modern home while satisfying several of kitty’s needs–all in one piece of furniture. The Lotus Cat Tower stands almost six feet tall and includes multiple surfaces for climbing and lounging, a vertical sisal panel for scratching, a padded cushion for sitting, and a cubby for napping or hiding the litter box. With so many features it is sure to become a popular hangout.

Available at Amazon

The light-carrying properties of acrylic make it one of the most spectacular materials for use in modern furniture and interiors. One of the first companies to design modern pet furniture using acrylic was London-based Wowbow. Their elegant Loulie Cat Tower is a cube made of 10 mm thick acrylic, that supports a memory foam cushion covered in faux suede and topped with 3 inch sheepskin. Could you ask for a more perfect perch?

To accompany the cat tower, Wowbow designed Skritch, a beautifully simple scratching post. The sisal tube mounts to the wall with an acrylic frame that practically disappears, transforming the scratching post from an eyesore into a streamlined sculpture.

Wowbow’s Mija bed and Mija dining table also make excellent use of this stunning material. Both are available in smaller sizes, suitable for cats.

All of Wowbow’s products are handmade in the UK and the company donates a percentage of profits to benefit animal welfare organizations.