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CitiKitty is a remarkable product that debuted in the Season 2 of the popular TV show Shark Tank. It is a specially designed cat toilet training kit aimed at helping cat owners to rid themselves of the often messy and time-consuming task of managing a litter box.
CitiKitty trains cats to use a human toilet, eliminating the need for traditional litter boxes. The product comes with concentric rings that fit underneath a regular toilet seat.
When given a full, shallow pan filled with cat litter, a cat becomes accustomed to jumping onto the toilet to do business. The owner removes one ring at a time, creating a larger and larger hole inside the cage as the cat becomes accustomed to the arrangement.
Over time, the cat transitions from using a litter-filled pan to perching on the toilet seat and using the toilet directly. This procedure considers the cat’s comfort and adaptability, ensuring a stress-free transition.
CitiKitty offers several noteworthy advantages, making it a good choice for cat owners. Firstly, it helps to maintain a cleaner and more hygienic home environment by eliminating the need for litter boxes that can often become sources of unpleasant odors and mess.
Secondly, it provides a considerable cost saving in the long run by cutting out the ongoing expense of cat litter. Lastly, it is beneficial for the environment since mining, manufacturing, and disposing of cat litter can have a significant environmental impact. Therefore, by opting for CitiKitty, cat owners can contribute towards reducing their carbon footprint.
However, it is important to remember that every cat is different, and not all may adapt easily to this new system. The owners should be patient and mindful of their cat’s comfort during training. CitiKitty nonetheless provides a novel solution to an age-old problem for cat owners and cats who can transition.
| Company Name | CitiKitty |
| Entrepreneur | Rebecca Rescate |
| Product | Toilet Training Kit for Cats |
| Investment Asking For | $100,000 For 15% equity in Shark Tank |
| Final Deal | $100,000 For 20% equity in Shark Tank |
| Shark | Kevin Harrington |
| CitiKitty Episode | Season 2, Episode 9 |
| CitiKitty Business Status | In Business |
| CitiKitty Website | CitiKitty Website |
| CitiKitty Net Worth | $1 Million |
What Is CitiKitty?
CitiKitty is a toilet training kit for cats that aims to transition them from using a traditional litter box to using the toilet. The kit consists of a tray inserted underneath the toilet seat, with a series of rings that are gradually removed to reduce the surface area of the tray.
Flushable litter is placed in the tray, and the cats are trained to use the toilet as their new bathroom. CitiKitty eliminates the need for stinky litter boxes, allows easier disposal of flushable litter, and reduces long-term costs by removing the need to purchase cat litter.
However, there are some drawbacks, such as the upfront costs of the kit, the need to progress at the right pace for multiple cats, and the potential mess and inconvenience during the training process.
CitiKitty requires patience and dedication but can be a more eco-friendly and cost-effective solution for cat owners.
Who Is The Founder Of CitiKitty?
CitiKitty was founded by Rebecca Rescate, an entrepreneur with a background in marketing and design.
Before launching CitiKitty, Rescate had held several roles in advertising and marketing firms, gaining experience that would later prove invaluable in bringing her product to market.
Rescate conceived the idea for CitiKitty after moving into a small New York City apartment with her husband and their cat, Samantha. Faced with managing a litter box in a small living space, Rescate identified an opportunity for a product that could train cats to use a human toilet.
She then designed and developed the CitiKitty toilet training kit, utilizing her creativity, mindset, and knowledge of consumer behavior.
Before appearing on Shark Tank, Rescate had already made impressive progress with CitiKitty. She established her business in 2005 and worked tirelessly to bring her product to market.
Despite having a tight budget, Rescate got her business off the ground through a bootstrapping approach. She set up an online store and used emerging social media platforms to market her product.
Within a few years, CitiKitty gained traction and started making decent sales. However, appearing on Shark Tank would be a major turning point for the company, catapulting it into the national spotlight and significantly boosting sales.
The exposure from the show not only helped raise awareness of CitiKitty but also validated the concept in the eyes of many viewers, increasing its credibility and appeal.
How Was The Shark Tank Pitch Of CitiKitty?
When Rebecca Rescate, founder of CitiKitty, appeared on the second season of Shark Tank, she was seeking an investment of $100,000 for a 15% stake in her company, valuing CitiKitty at $666,666.
Her confident presentation demonstrated her unwavering belief in the product, effectively laying out the unique benefits of CitiKitty for both cat owners and the environment.
Rescate brought along a fully trained cat to show the Sharks exactly how the product worked, which added a practical demonstration to her pitch.
She also spoke convincingly about the financial aspect of her business, detailing the impressive sales figures and profit margins she had achieved before her appearance on the show.
The Sharks expressed mixed views on the product. While all acknowledged the novelty and innovation behind CitiKitty, there were reservations about the business’s scalability and the product’s limited appeal.
Some Sharks were skeptical about how many cat owners would be interested in toilet training their pets.
However, Kevin Harrington, an original Shark, saw potential in CitiKitty. He was impressed by Rescate’s grit, determination, and the progress she had made with limited resources.
Despite his initial skepticism, he appreciated Rescate’s tenacity and innovation and decided to take a chance on her.
Finally, Rescate struck a deal with Harrington, although not exactly on her original terms. Harrington offered $100,000 for a 20% equity stake instead of the 15% Rescate initially proposed. This increased share was justified by Harrington’s belief that his mentorship and networks would substantially accelerate the company’s growth.
Despite this change, Rescate accepted the offer, seeing the value in partnering with an experienced entrepreneur like Harrington. This partnership would ultimately contribute significantly to the growth and success of CitiKitty in the following years.
Final Deal: Kevin Harrington agreed to invest $100,000 for a 20% stake in CitiKitty.
What Happened To CitiKitty After Shark Tank?
After appearing on Shark Tank, CitiKitty experienced a significant boost in its business. The national exposure on the popular television show increased the product’s visibility and credibility among consumers.
There was a marked increase in sales after the episode aired, largely due to the show’s vast audience and the interest generated by the unique product. Furthermore, the investment and mentorship from Kevin Harrington helped accelerate the company’s growth.
Harrington’s vast experience and network in the business world contributed to the expansion and scalability of the CitiKitty brand. With the additional capital, Rescate could invest more in marketing, inventory, and developing new products.
She could also negotiate better deals with suppliers and distributors due to increased sales volume.
The partnership with Harrington also opened up new retail opportunities for CitiKitty, including brick-and-mortar stores, which had not been the company’s primary focus before Shark Tank. This expanded the company’s reach and made the product accessible to a wider audience.
In the years following the Shark Tank appearance, CitiKitty continued to grow and establish itself as a unique solution for cat owners. The company maintained its momentum, continuing to bring value to its customers.
CitiKitty Shark Tank Update
After appearing on Shark Tank, CitiKitty experienced significant success and popularity. The exposure on the show catapulted the product into the spotlight, resulting in increased sales and visibility.
The founder, Rebecca Rescate, successfully secured an investment and partnership with Kevin Harrington, an original Shark from the show. This partnership was expected to help accelerate the growth and expansion of CitiKitty.
Rebecca Rescate’s appearance on Shark Tank also positively impacted the company’s Amazon sales, making CitiKitty a top seller.
The product’s unique proposition of offering a complete toilet training kit for cats appealed to many pet owners, particularly those seeking an alternative to traditional litter boxes.
Moreover, the success of CitiKitty and its appearance on Shark Tank opened up opportunities for Rebecca Rescate to venture into other product lines.
She launched the HoodiePillow, showcasing her versatility as an entrepreneur and her ability to work in different areas.
Is CitiKitty Still In Business?
Our research shows that CitiKitty is indeed still in business. The company continues to offer its cat toilet training system, which uses a special seat with rings filled with kitty litter, gradually enlarging the hole.
The product has gained popularity since its appearance on Shark Tank, and it remains a popular choice for cat owners who want an alternative to traditional litter boxes.
CitiKitty’s success has led to significant growth, with its net worth now exceeding $1 million.
The company continues to thrive, and its founder, Rebecca Rescate, has also developed other successful products like Hoodie Pillow, Blankie Tails, Luvsy, and Top Down Planner.
While CitiKitty’s training system has received mixed reviews from users, many have found it effective in transitioning their cats from litter boxes to using the toilet, offering long-term savings and waste reduction.
Despite some challenges, the product’s eco-friendly approach and reduced odors make it a compelling choice for many cat owners.
CitiKitty’s success after appearing on Shark Tank demonstrates how the right idea and execution can lead to a thriving business.
The company’s continued presence as Amazon’s #1 Home & Garden Department product underscores its popularity and success in the market.
What Is the Net Worth Of CityKitty?
According to our research, the net worth of CitiKitty is estimated to be $1 million. The valuation of CitiKitty was $500,000 after securing an investment from Kevin Harrington on Shark Tank.
