PAWTALKS WITH CATENARY HOME

What was the inspiration behind Catenary Home?

The inspiration for launching my brand came from a deeply personal experience: the challenge of finding modern cat furniture that seamlessly fit my home’s aesthetic while meeting the needs of my cat. Living in a one-bedroom apartment in NYC, where every piece is on display, I’ve faced this issue firsthand for over a decade. This struggle drove me to create a solution—a brand that combines thoughtful design with quality and functionality, elevating both the home and the lives of pets.

How does your brand differ from other industry brands in the same category? What gives you the competitive edge?

Our brand stands apart through our exceptional taste and ability to create designs that are both timeless and trend-conscious. We craft pieces that resonate with contemporary aesthetics while maintaining a lasting appeal, ensuring they’ll be cherished for years to come. This blend of enduring style and modern relevance gives us a distinct competitive edge in the industry.

Describe the ingredients you look for in the products you use.

We prioritize high-quality materials that are both pet-safe and built to last. From natural wool and durable ceramics to lightweight titanium and moving into beautifully crafted wood soon, every material we choose reflects our commitment to safety, functionality, and timeless design.

"I envision creating a complete world of furniture designed specifically for cat lifestyles—pieces that seamlessly integrate into modern homes while prioritizing both functionality and style."

Walk us through your development process — from ideation to the product we see on the shelf.

Our development process begins with thoughtful design, where we envision products that blend beauty, functionality, and the needs of modern pet owners. We then collaborate with specialized manufacturers to prototype and refine these ideas, rigorously testing every detail to ensure quality and practicality. Along the way, we navigate countless small decisions, embrace challenges, and learn from setbacks to perfect our creations. The result is a journey of persistence and passion, culminating in the unique, high-quality products you see on the shelf.

What are some things you take into consideration during the creation of new products?

When creating new products, we focus on meeting our customers and cats' needs while setting a higher standard for what’s available in the market. We ask ourselves whether the design is more innovative, functional, and beautiful than existing options and if it pushes the boundaries of what pet-integrated furniture can be. Most importantly, we consider if it’s something we’d proudly display in our own home, ensuring every product resonates with the values of quality and style we hold dear.

Other than Catenary Home, what is something you are passionate about?

Beyond my work, I’m deeply passionate about both animals and interior design—two distinct loves that seamlessly come together in my company. I find joy in visiting animal cafes around the world, where I can connect with different cultures and their unique approaches to caring for pets. I’m equally inspired by exploring design museums, immersing myself in creativity and innovation. These passions fuel my work, making my company a natural extension of what I love most.

What is one major lesson you learned about running a business?

One big lesson I’ve learned about running a business is that you have to be ready to adapt and roll with the punches. Things don’t always go as planned, but every challenge teaches you something valuable. Staying open to feedback, being willing to adjust, and keeping your end goal in sight makes all the difference. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see how those moments of growth shape both the business and you as a person.

What are some challenges you have overcome with Catenary Home?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve overcome with my brand has been balancing creative vision with practicality. Starting out, it was hard to find the right manufacturers who could bring my ideas to life without compromising on quality or design. It took persistence, trial and error, and a lot of learning to build the right partnerships. But that process taught me the value of patience and problem-solving, and now those early struggles feel like stepping stones toward creating something truly special.

What would you say is your most effective marketing channel?

Our most effective marketing channel has been social media, where we’ve built a highly engaged community. It’s been a great way to showcase our designs and interact directly with our audience, giving us valuable insights into what resonates most with them.

"We craft pieces that resonate with contemporary aesthetics while maintaining a lasting appeal, ensuring they’ll be cherished for years to come. This blend of enduring style and modern relevance gives us a distinct competitive edge in the industry."

Give us the backstory of your brand’s name.

The name "Catenary Home" comes from the catenary curve, which is this beautiful, natural shape you see in things like hanging chains or ropes. It’s elegant and strong, and it felt like a great representation of the kind of designs we wanted to create—pieces that are both functional and beautiful. Adding the “cat” element was a fun way to tie in our focus on pets, especially cats, while still keeping it modern and design-driven. It’s a name that feels like the perfect blend of thoughtful design and a love for cats.

What would you like to see for Catenary Home's future?

I envision creating a complete world of furniture designed specifically for cat lifestyles—pieces that seamlessly integrate into modern homes while prioritizing both functionality and style. Over time, I’d love to expand into furniture and products for pet lifestyles more broadly, eventually moving into designs for dogs. The goal is to reimagine how pet owners live with their animals, offering thoughtful, beautiful solutions for every part of their lives.

What do you think is the most prominent concern in the pet industry?

Outside of furniture, which for us centers on helping pets and owners live well together, I think the most prominent concern in the pet industry is health and longevity. People want their pets to live longer, healthier lives, which has led to a greater focus on high-quality nutrition, preventative care, and even the kinds of environments pets live in. You can see this reflected in choices for home and furniture as well, as owners increasingly seek out designs that support their pets’ well-being and comfort.