Introducing Tail Toppers

Tail Toppers journey began about one year ago when I scored a dream job at a major toy company. I noticed that leaving my cat alone for over 12 hours a day had a toll on the overall quality of life for my kitty cat. He wasn't as frisky as he used to be. He was depressed.

I did some research and realized this was a major issue with many pets, and rightly so, I mean we're the only ones who are their whole lives. It's especially worse if your cat is an indoor animal at an apartment. I felt terrible.

Further Research:

Its well known grabbing a cat or dog by the nape of its neck would almost put the animal in a hypnotic/ relaxed state. This is known as PIBI - Pinch-Induced-Behavioral-Inhibition.

I thought If I could only provide that elated feeling to my kitty throughout the day without being so intense... That's when i noticed when scratching my kitty by the base of its tail would relax and make him happy. I decided to do something about it.

I knew that If i could create something that would sit on the base of the cat's tail, then it could possible relax him and also bring joy and a smile to my face.

Prototyping:

I started with a paint brush sketch-

Glasses with a mustache seemed like a natural fit for the design

Wireframe

Went through several iterations

Rendering

Actual 3D print. Might be too small..

Added some flare

Re-scaling and Modifying structural design.

2nd version 3D print

What's Next For Development And Delivery

As mentioned above, I am working at a major toy manufacturing company, so I've been lucky enough to learn the ins and outs of product design.

I need your help. I want to bring awareness to the subject of pet depression and deliver a token with represents that.

With your backing I will be able to make this happen.

The funding will be used to developed a more secured fitting Tail Topper.

That means costs of paying the designer.

The other funding will be used to retool the plastic mold injecting platform.

Lastly packaging will be minimal in a plastic blister pack with a logo on it. It's encouraged to share pics of Tail Toppers on your pet on social media.

Cost Breakdown:

Estimated Costs for PMI (Plastic Molding Injection)

$75/hr for experienced designer (Approx 10-15 hours for a few iterations).

$1000 for packaging (first time blister will cost extra for retooling, then will get significantly lower if re-used.)

$3,000 left on the budget for buffer room for unforeseen costs.

Funding Amounts

Each person who pledges get their very own Tail Topper plus stickers.

If you pledge $50 or more you get a Personalized Tail Topper with your kitty's name on it!

If you are the only one to pledge $1000 (only one space) you will get your kitty featured on the packaging!

Please consider pledging today :)!

ABOUT ME

Hi. My name is Rick. I'm project manager at a major toy company. I have access to cool things like designers, artists and just inspiration all around me. When I saw I could create something which would help our best friends without a voice, I couldn't help myself. I'm fueled by passion.

Pet depression is a real serious topic. If you ever saw that viral video where this guy leaves his dog home alone, its heartbreaking. Once seeing that you realize that your furry friend depends on you and doesn't really have any other interests except you!

This token, Tail Topper, is to bring awareness to the issue. Please consider backing.

Thanks