Abstract Cat Toy

Vision & Inspiration

My goal for this project was to create a cat toy that satisfies two distinct purposes: entertaining my cat with engaging play options while serving as an abstract art piece that complements my living room decor. I wanted to design something that wouldn’t need to be hidden away when guests arrive – a functional sculpture that celebrates playfulness through its vibrant colors and unconventional form.

Design Specifications

The design centers around a few key elements:

• Sturdy, weighted base: Ensures stability during active play
• Multiple extending arms: Creates various play zones and adds visual interest
• Interchangeable attachments: Allows for customization and extended engagement
• Abstract aesthetic: Features clean lines, vibrant colors, and modular components

While my initial concept included a spinning mechanism to add movement when batted, I ultimately simplified the design after prototype testing revealed challenges with stability and materials. The final design still allows for some wobble and movement during play without compromising structural integrity.

Materials

All materials were sourced locally from Art Parts and McGuckin:

• Wooden dowels
• Multicolored fabric
• Cardboard tube
• Composition notebooks (repurposed for base)
• Adhesive
• Small toys for attachments

Fabrication Process

1. 1. Material preparation: I had the wooden dowel cut in half at McGuckin and requested holes drilled into the ends for easy toy attachment.
   2. Base construction: I created a weighted base by repurposing two old composition notebooks. To create stability, I glued the pages together for compression and stacked the notebooks, securing them with adhesive and carefully applied tape.
   3. Aesthetic application: The abstract quality emerges through the multicolored fabric covering. I cut various fabrics into smaller pieces and applied them to the notebook base with adhesive, creating a
      patchwork of colors and textures.
      

5. Structural assembly: Using a drill and precision tools, I created four layered holes in the large cardboard tube. I carefully sized the holes to securely hold the dowels while still allowing them to fit through. After drilling, I sanded the holes for smoothness and safety.
6. assembly: I inserted the dowels through the holes in the cardboard
   tube, making adjustments and sanding as needed for proper fit.
   
7. Attachment:
   I then attached the tube to the base.
8. Toy attachment: Finally, I added various hanging attachments to the ends of thIMG_1410e dowels, completing the interactive elements of the sculpture.

The Final Artifact

The completed Abstract Cat Toy stands as a colorful, sculptural piece featuring a stable fabric-covered base supporting a central cardboard tube. Four wooden dowels extend outward at various angles, each featuring different hanging toys at their ends. The multicolored fabric covering creates visual interest even when the toy isn’t in use.

The modular design allows for easy replacement of worn toys and adaptation to my cat’s changing preferences. The slight wobble during interaction adds an engaging element of movement without compromising stability.

Evaluation

Functional Goals

While I had to abandon my initial plan for a spinning mechanism (the fidget spinner base proved inadequate for supporting the structure), the finished piece still achieves the core functional requirements. The toy maintains enough stability to stand upright while still offering some movement when batted or played with. The various hanging elements provide multiple points of interest for my cat, and the modular design allows for refreshing the toy as needed.

Artistic Goals

I’m pleased with the artistic outcome. The piece achieves the subtle, minimalist abstraction I was aiming for. The vibrant fabric patterns create visual interest without overwhelming the space, and the angular arrangement of the dowels creates an almost kinetic sculpture effect. It successfully balances its dual purpose as both a functional cat toy and an interesting decorative object.

Future Considerations

I plan to keep this artifact for my cat to enjoy until its natural lifespan ends through play. The modular design allows for ongoing maintenance by replacing individual elements as they wear out. Once the piece is no longer functional, its components can be recycled or repurposed for future projects.