In the world of pet products, Kitty Kasas has carved out a unique niche with its modular cat furniture. Founded by Nikki Linn and Rusty Niedwick, Kitty Kasas gained national attention when it appeared on the hit reality show, Shark Tank, in 2019. The innovative design, durability, and philanthropic mission of Kitty Kasas intrigued the Sharks, leading to a successful deal.
But what happened after the cameras stopped rolling? This article explores the journey of Kitty Kasas post-Shark Tank, detailing its growth, challenges, and current status in the competitive pet product market.
What Is Kitty Kasas?
Design And Features
The entrance to each Kitty Kasas cube boasted a distinctive cutout shaped like the silhouette of a cat’s face, minus the whiskers, naturally. Inside these feline playground cubes, you’d discover a machine-washable pillow and an assortment of hanging toys, suitable for both indoor and outdoor play.
Expanding upon their inventive offerings, they introduced the Kitty Kasas Penthouse Bed – a vantage point that conveniently perches atop the cube. This additional cube matches the description of the previous one, designed to provide your cat with a lofty bird’s eye view from their penthouse. This elevation offers a serene escape for cats, distanced from the potential encroachments of hugs and kisses.
Another fantastic inclusion for your cat’s domestic habitat is the Kitty Kasas Wall Mount. This innovation enables your cat to ascend even higher, affording them an open-air perch. And if that’s still insufficient for your feline companion, each Kitty Kasas kit arrives with wooden screws, facilitating cube installation through supplementary kitty clips [2].
The structures, primarily composed of sturdy stainless steel, assure a resilient platform for your cat, irrespective of how robustly “Chonky” (a scientific term, of course) they may be.
Although a detailed review of their latest products is pending, we’ve gathered ample insights to gauge consumer sentiment. The newest Duro Series, constructed as a single-piece mold, offers a diverse selection of styles. Customers can choose from gym, recreation, and bedroom variations. Moreover, Kitty Kasas introduces the Kitty Kasas Siesta, a hanging chair, as a unique addition to their product line.
Pros:
One of the main advantages of Kitty Kasas is that they are indestructible. This durability makes them a great investment for cat owners, as they will not need to constantly replace worn-out or damaged cat beds.
Additionally, Kitty Kasas are easy to clean. Unlike traditional cat beds which can harbor allergens and odors, these cubes can be quickly and efficiently cleaned. This is not only convenient for owners but also beneficial for the health of their cats.
The modularity of Kitty Kasas is another significant pro. The ability to stack and rearrange the cubes allows owners to create a cat condo that fits their space and their cat’s preferences. This customization aspect sets Kitty Kasas apart from many other cat bed options on the market.
Moreover, Kitty Kasas comes with a variety of features, like a comfy bed for quiet “me time” and a sisal scratching post in the Gym Cube. This versatility ensures that your cat has everything it needs in one compact space [3].
Cons:
Some customers have reported that the toys included with the cubes were chewed off within a day. This suggests that while the cubes themselves are durable, some of the additional features may not be as robust.
Another potential downside is the price. High-quality cat furniture often comes with a higher price tag, and Kitty Kasas is no exception. However, given their durability and versatility, many cat owners may still find them to be a worthwhile investment.
Who May Benefit From Using Kitty Kasas:
- Cat Owners: Cat owners can use Kitty Kasas to provide their feline companions with a durable, customizable play and rest area. The modularity of the cubes allows the owners to create a personalized setup that fits their space and cat’s preferences;
- Animal Shelters: Animal shelters may benefit greatly from Kitty Kasas. Due to their durability and ease of cleaning, these cubes can be an efficient and hygienic solution for housing multiple cats. In fact, Nikki and Rusty, founders of Kitty Kasas, first used these cubes in their own shelter, ARNI Foundation;
- Non-Profit Rescue and Shelter Foundations: Kitty Kasas were initially used to fund the ARNI Foundation run by the founders, and they continue to support other non-profit rescue and shelter foundations;
- Design-conscious Pet Owners: For pet owners who are also design enthusiasts, Kitty Kasas offers a stylish and practical solution. They are available in a wide variety of colors, and they can even be mounted on a wall for a modern, streamlined look [4];
What Do Users Say About Kitty Kasas?
Many customers have recommended Kitty Kasas, with some even planning to buy more units. Despite being allergic to cats, one Reddit user mentioned they would consider buying Kitty Kasas due to their aesthetic superiority over typical cat towers. In addition, the company’s lifetime guarantee offer has been positively received.
Overall, it seems that Kitty Kasas has successfully met customer expectations, providing a product that is not just functional, but also stylish and easy to use.
About the Founders Of Kitty Kasas
Former motorcycle enthusiasts Nikki Linn and her spouse, Rusty Niedwick, possess an enduring affection for animals [6]. For nearly two decades, they’ve been managing the ARNI Foundation, a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to preserving the lives of cats and dogs. During their tenure at the shelter, it became evident that traditional cardboard containers and carpeted scratching surfaces for their feline friends were insufficient.
These items would frequently succumb to damage, and even worse, become soiled, leading to numerous hygiene concerns.
Rusty eventually conceived the notion of employing plastic crates. These containers not only exhibited remarkable durability but also facilitated effortless cleaning.
In 2013, they introduced pint-sized enclosures into their shelter, promptly capturing the interest of fellow pet enthusiasts. This venture evolved into a business enterprise recognized as Kitty Kasas. While it achieved success, the profit margins remained thin. To compound matters, a European manufacturer borrowed their concept, making subtle alterations to evade copyright violations.
Yearning to elevate their company’s performance and thereby rescue more animals, they decided to participate in the televised investment pitch show, Shark Tank. After enduring hours of queuing in the California desert, they successfully impressed the audition panel.
Their journey led to an appearance in the eleventh episode of the tenth season, which was televised on January 13, 2019.
The Pitch Of Kitty Kasas At Shark Tank
Nikki and Rusty make a grand entrance, arriving at the Shark Tank on their motorcycle, which takes the Sharks by surprise. After removing their helmets, they introduce themselves as the brains behind Kitty Kasas and declare their intention to secure $ 200,000 in exchange for a 20% equity stake in their company [7].
The ensuing moments are dedicated to unraveling the essence of Kitty Kasas – an ingenious, stackable cube system designed for cats, which can be employed individually or interconnected for feline amusement. They emphasize the cubes’ durability, and their diverse array of colors and patterns, all while the camera zooms in on the enticing display beside them.
Kevin promptly inquires about their sales figures. Rusty reveals that they’ve generated $ 600,000 in revenue over the past 18 months, a fact that appears to impress both him and the other Sharks. He goes on to recount a misstep during their second year when they entered a partnership with a plastics company, which yielded meager results.
Sara Blakely, a guest Shark, probes about their journey into the business. Nikki explains that they initiated this venture while operating a non-profit animal shelter. It dawned on them that there was nothing like Kitty Kasas in the market. Initially conceived for their shelter’s use, they decided to turn it into a business when adopters expressed interest.
Rusty underscores the cubes’ ease of cleaning compared to their previous solutions. They can be taken outdoors and cleaned with bleach or a power washer.
Lori, who shares a passion for felines, shows a keen interest in the cubes, which elates the couple. Kevin inquires about the manufacturing costs. Rusty discloses that they offer three variants – a “bedroom” cube for $ 10, one with a scratchy post for $ 11, and a top bed for $ 5. They sell these at $ 39, $ 49, and $ 22.99, respectively.
Barbara explores the hiccup in their second year. Rusty recounts how they took the cubes to a design show in Germany, where a major plastics company approached them. This company offered to transform their products into injection mold designs in exchange for a share of their European sales and access to their distribution network.
However, this partnership turned out to be a year-long string-along, during which their intellectual property was pilfered, leaving them empty-handed. Since then, they have revamped their cubes and developed their injection molds.
Kevin inquires about a patent, to which Rusty confirms its existence but explains their decision to forego legal action against a $ 2 billion plastics company as it wasn’t a viable pursuit.
Sara asks how they intend to utilize the $ 200,000. Rusty reveals their plan to expand the company, as it is currently just the two of them and an ‘IT guy.’ Barbara inquires about their plans for entering the retail space, to which Rusty responds that they would revamp their website and bolster their social media presence.
Sara, while impressed by their passion for cats, admits her allergy to the animals, leading her to bow out. Kevin voices his reservations about their slim profit margins and the floor space required for the products but extends an offer of $ 200,000 for a 33.3% stake, proposing to help them with direct-to-consumer expansion.
As they ponder Kevin’s offer, Lori seeks information about the cubes’ shipping feasibility. They demonstrate their collapsible design and delve into shipping costs, which generally range from $ 6 to $ 7.
Amid good-natured teasing from Kevin, Barbara makes a swift exit, citing her disinterest in cats. Lori then drops a bombshell by announcing her intent to make an offer, visibly exciting Rusty and Nikki. Mark, on the other hand, expresses his lack of enthusiasm for the pet industry and cats, leading to his withdrawal.
In a surprise twist, Lori mirrors Kevin’s offer exactly – $ 200,000 for a 33.3% stake. Rusty proposes a slight reduction to 25%, but Lori stands firm in her desire for equal partnership, prompting Nikki to make a counteroffer – $ 200,000 for a 30% stake. After some contemplation, Lori agrees to the adjusted terms, sparking cheers and applause from the couple. They express their gratitude and exit the Shark Tank, with Lori stepping forward to embrace each of them before their departure.
Kitty Kasas After The Shark Tank
Regrettably, it appears that the arrangement with Lori didn’t materialize, as it is conspicuously absent from her Shark Tank profile. Nevertheless, Nikki and Rusty managed to significantly enhance their brand’s visibility. Their products found a home on Amazon, and they clinched a lucrative contract with Petco [8].
Their innovative streak continued with the introduction of a novel product known as the Siesta. In contrast to their previous cube-shaped cat dwellings, the Siesta boasts a teardrop shape and can be suspended from the ceiling using a chain or rope. Versatile in its utility, it can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors, and it is available in an array of captivating colors, retailing for $ 149 on their official website.
One thing remains certain – the cat homes they conceptualized continue to maintain their popularity. The company has also expanded its offerings to include a range of plush cat beds, replete with various colors and designs. Additionally, they provide accessories like the “Kitty Kasa Penthaus” and wall mounts, both compatible with their cube beds.
For those intrigued by their offerings, a visit to their official website is the gateway to their world. They sweeten the deal by offering free economy shipping across the United States for orders exceeding $ 75.
The Net Worth Of Kitty Kasas
Their journey took an exciting turn on January 20, 2019, when they made an appearance on Season 10 of Shark Tank USA. During their Shark Tank experience, they struck a deal with Lori Greiner, securing $ 200,000 in exchange for a 30% equity stake in the company. This agreement ultimately led to a final valuation of $ 666,000, which marked a slight decrease from the founders’ initial estimation of $ 1 million.
Kitty Kasas remains a thriving enterprise in 2023, although it has undergone a rebranding, now operating under the name Jolly Pets.
Alternatives To Kitty Kasas:
- Cat Trees: Cat trees that fit together like puzzle pieces could serve as an alternative to Kitty Kasas. They offer similar modularity and can provide your cat with plenty of opportunities for play and rest;
- Jolly Pets Products: Although Jolly Pets primarily focuses on dog toys, they do have a few products for cats. They emphasize the quality and durability of their products, which might make them a good alternative for those seeking long-lasting cat furniture;
- Other Modular Cat Furniture Brands: There are many other brands out there that offer modular cat furniture. Though not specifically named in the search results, brands like KATRIS, Catty Stacks, and Vesper offer products that can be customized to fit your space and your cat’s preferences;
- DIY Cat Furniture: For those who are handy, creating your cat furniture could be a fun and rewarding alternative. There are countless tutorials online for DIY cat trees, shelves, and condos;
Remember, the best choice will depend on your specific needs and circumstances, including your budget, space, and your cat’s preferences and behavior.
FAQ:
- What is Kitty Kasas’ revenue?
As of September 2023, Kitty Kasas was pulling in an impressive $ 600,000 in annual revenue.
- How much is Kitty Kasas worth?
The net worth of Kitty Kasas was estimated at $ 1 million as of September 2023.
- Is Kitty Kasas still in business?
Yes, Kitty Kasas is still in business. The company continues to thrive and provide durable, innovative cat furniture solutions.
- Who owns Kitty Kasas?
Kitty Kasas is owned by Nikki Linn and Rusty Niedwick, who initially used their product in their non-profit no-kill shelter for cats and dogs, the ARNI Foundation.
- What is the biggest Shark Tank success story?
The biggest Shark Tank success story to date is probably the Scrub Daddy. This innovative cleaning tool secured a deal with Lori Greiner and has since generated over $ 200 million in sales, making it the most successful product in the history of the show.
- Is Shark Tank scripted?
Shark Tank is not scripted. However, like any television show, there may be some level of editing and production involved to make the final product more entertaining and engaging for viewers.
- Has Shark Tank ever failed?
Yes, not every deal made on Shark Tank turns out to be a success. There have been numerous instances where deals fell through after the show or the businesses did not perform as well as expected.
- Does Shark Tank pay you?
No, Shark Tank does not pay contestants for appearing on the show. However, the entrepreneurs do have the opportunity to secure investment deals from the Sharks, which could vastly exceed any appearance fee.
- Who turned down $ 30 million on Shark Tank?
Coffee Meets Bagel, a dating app, famously turned down a $ 30 million offer from Mark Cuban. The founders believed in the potential of their product and decided to retain control of their company.
- What was the worst deal on Shark Tank?
One of the worst deals on Shark Tank is often considered to be Hy-Conn, a super-fast fire hose connector. Mark Cuban invested $ 1.25 million for a 100% stake in the company. However, the deal fell through after the show due to disagreements between the entrepreneur and Cuban.
- Who is the richest “shark”?
As of 2023, the richest shark is Mark Cuban, with a net worth estimated at $ 4.3 billion.
Useful Video: Welcome to Kitty Kasas
References:
- https://www.sharktanksuccess.com/kitty-kasas-review/
- https://www.aspentimes.com/trending/ex-biker-entrepreneurs-from-emma-pitch-their-kitty-kasas-on-shark-tank-sunday/
- https://allsharktankproducts.com/pet-care/kitty-kasas-cat-houses/
- https://www.reddit.com/r/sharktank/comments/ai5jcl/s10e11_discussion_kitty_kasas/
- https://www.forbes.com/sites/carolynlipka/2019/01/21/shark-tank-recap-as-temperatures-drop-so-do-the-ratings/?sh=2604a6242b42
- https://www.looper.com/1140011/whatever-happened-to-kitty-kasas-after-shark-tank/
- https://gazettereview.com/kitty-kasas-after-shark-tank-update/
- https://geeksaroundglobe.com/kitty-kasas-net-worth-update-before-after-shark-tank/
- https://www.sharktankblog.com/business/kitty-kasas/
