As companion cats become more integrated into modern households, there is a rising demand for furniture that meets the needs of both humans and their feline friends. Traditional pet products often clash with contemporary interior styles, while human-focused furniture typically lacks features that support cat wellbeing. This study applies user-centered design (UCD) principles to explore the creation of multifunctional furniture that enhances the coexistence of cats and their owners. Key design factors, including ergonomics, space efficiency, material selection, and user interaction, are examined to address challenges related to pet behaviors and owner preferences. Using a qualitative research approach, the study conducts a comparative analysis of two innovative pet-friendly furniture designs evaluated based on functionality, material durability, and aesthetic integration. The findings reveal that integrating pet-friendly features into human furniture improves human-animal interactions, enhances feline welfare, and optimizes space utilization. However, challenges such as durability, maintenance, and affordability must be addressed to improve practicality and accessibility. This study contributes to the emerging field of pet-inclusive interior design by proposing a theoretical framework that connects function, materials, and aesthetics in furniture design with the increasing demand for co-living and compact living solutions, future research should explore customizable, technology-integrated, and sustainable designs that optimize space while enhancing both human and feline well-being. By adopting a user-centered approach, designers can create innovative, adaptable furniture that fosters seamless interaction, maximizing comfort and functionality in shared living environments.
| Published in | Abstract Book of the 2025 International Conference on Science, Built Environment and Engineering |
| Page(s) | 4-4 |
| Creative Commons |
This is an Open Access abstract, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited. |
| Copyright |
Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group |
Furniture Design, Pet-Living Spaces, User-Centered Design (UCD)