Felinity

What it does

Felinity is a smart cat collar that monitors health, activity, and location in real time. It helps detect early signs of illness and reduces unexpected vet costs, giving cat owners peace of mind while keeping their pets safe, healthy, and stylish.

Your inspiration

As a cat owner of 2, I was inspired to create Felinity after one of them developed sudden health issues that seemed to come out of nowhere. We hadn’t recognized the subtle early signs, and by the time we noticed the situation had worsened. This experience made me realize how easily health changes in cats can go unnoticed especially since they often hide discomfort. I wanted to design a solution that allows pet owners to catch warning signs early, monitor their cat’s well-being daily, and avoid unexpected health scares. Felinity was born out of a personal need for peace of mind and proactive care.

How it works

It uses built-in sensors to track vital signs like body temperature, heart rate, breathing, and activity levels. Acoustic sensors measure your cat’s pulse and stress levels, while thermometers check body temperature. A 6-direction accelerometer tracks movements like walking, jumping, scratching, and licking. These patterns help detect changes in behavior that may signal a health issue. GPS technology allows you to see where your cat is at all times. The collar sends this data to the cloud, which updates an app on your phone, letting you monitor your cat’s health and habits 24/7. If something seems off like a change in sleep or water intake, you would get an alert. The collar features a secure magnetic clasp that keeps it in place during daily wear but safely releases under sudden tension. It’s also adjustable for comfort and sized to fit most cats easily.

Design process

The design process for Felinity began with identifying a personal need, which was a way to monitor my cats’ health more closely. I started by researching wearable pet technology, identifying gaps in current products, and noting what health data could be most useful to cat owners. A major part of the process was material research. I explored various options for the collar strap like nylon, leather, and silicone, but each had drawbacks in terms of comfort, durability, or water resistance. After extensive testing and comparison, I chose BioThane, a coated webbing known for its flexibility, strength, and comfort. It’s waterproof, easy to clean, and won’t irritate a cat’s skin, making it ideal for daily wear. For the clasp, safety was critical. I tested multiple mechanisms and settled on a magnetic clasp that holds securely but releases under sudden tension, preventing injury. I designed several prototypes, each improving on comfort, adjustability, and sensor integration. Early versions were bulkier, but I refined the design to be sleek and lightweight. Through testing and feedback, I optimized the collar to balance safety, function, and style.

How it is different

What makes Felinity truly unique is the emotional connection it fosters between pet and owner through its matching charm feature. While many smart collars focus only on tracking, Felinity adds a personal touch as each collar comes with a matching charm for the owner, like sharing jewelry with your best friend. It’s more than just a health device, it symbolizes the bond you share with your cat. This small but meaningful detail transforms the product from a utilitarian tool into a wearable expression of companionship. Combined with advanced health tracking and real-time alerts, Felinity blends technology, safety, and sentiment in a way that no other pet collar does.

Future plans

The next steps for Felinity include developing a fully functional prototype with integrated sensors and refining the companion app for real-time data tracking and alerts. I plan to conduct user testing to gather feedback from cat owners and ensure the design is both effective and comfortable. Looking ahead, I hope to partner with veterinarians and pet tech companies to bring Felinity to market, helping more pet owners detect health issues early and feel more connected to their cats through both technology and design.

Awards