Home > Blog > From Concept to Prototype: Our RL2863 Corduroy & Sisal Cat Tower
From Concept to Prototype: Our RL2863 Corduroy & Sisal Cat Tower
By RelipetJune 1st, 202686 views
On May 20th, we shared a concept that got us excited. It was a redesign of our classic cylindrical RL20T04 cat tower, reimagined with a more textured, modern aesthetic: a new version featuring wide-stripe corduroy and natural sisal.
The sketches looked promising. The new design was clean, stylish, and solved a core problem—how to make pet furniture that fits into a home, not just stands out in it. But a sketch is just a sketch. We took the concept to a group of our long-standing partners. Their feedback was clear: "It's a direction worth exploring. The 'home décor' feel is what the market wants. Let's see it for real."
We took that encouragement and got to work, knowing that the leap from a flat rendering to a 3D object can be huge. The biggest decision? The fabric. We tested several corduroy types, comparing material, weight, color, and wale (the width of the ribs). We settled on a soft grey fabric with a subtle, plush pile that mimics the feel of rabbit fur. It’s soft for napping, yet remarkably resilient against claws. Paired with the rugged texture of the natural sisal scratching surface, the combination felt just right.
And now, we have it. The prototype is here.
The RL2863 is no longer just a concept.
You can see the depth of the grey, feel the plush texture of the corduroy, and appreciate the sturdy, cylindrical form. It’s designed to be a piece of furniture first, a cat accessory second. The proof, as they say, is in the climbing. Our office cat, Ayden, wasted no time claiming the top perch, testing the sisal with his claws, and approving the nap-ability of the fabric. It’s stable, it’s stylish, and it works.
This is where we need you. We’d love to hear your thoughts on this new direction. What’s your first impression? Does this material and color combination resonate with your market?
If you're interested in learning more about the RL2863—its detailed specifications, material samples, or pricing—please don't hesitate to get in touch. Your feedback at this stage is invaluable as we move from a single prototype towards a product ready for homes (and cats) everywhere.
