One non-furniture item that debuted at this year's ICFF is the ModKat. We know you're thinking "A cat litterbox--what the hell?" but we had to include it for the sheer amount of design attention lavished on this thing by designers Brett Teper and Rich Williams of ModProducts and Fulton Street Design.

First off, your cat goes in and out through the opening in the "roof." Why? Because if you place it in the corner, the cat will have to clamber across the perforated roof to depart the scene after finishing his business, meaning whatever gravel is still stuck to his feet will come off on the roof, as opposed to making that radius of grit around your ordinary litterbox.

Second, the scoop (which has an ergonomic handle and attaches the side of the box) features a little brush on the side, so you can sweep the roof clean. Loose gravel falls back down through the holes, keeping the operation tidy. Then you pop the roof off and clean the mess inside.

Third, the Ikea-bag-like liner is reusable, so you don't have to keep buying (and throwing out) those plastic liner bags.

Lastly, non-skid feet keep the thing from sliding around.

The ModKat will be available for sale later this year. Now if only these guys would come up with something that made it easier for me to pick up after my two dogs.... Use our Essential Guide to NY Design Week 2009 to find the best stuff (Mobile version for your phone too!)

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