Nestled amidst the towering Himalayan ranges and the vibrant streets of Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, lies an age-old tradition of crafting felt products. Kathmandu's artisans have, for generations, been masters in manipulating wool into felt, skillfully creating a range of products, among which the felt cat caves stand out for their unique blend of function and artistry.
The process begins with raw, high-quality wool, often sourced from the hardy sheep that graze the high-altitude pastures of Nepal. This wool is cleaned, dyed, and carded, preparing it for the felting process. Artisans then use both wet felting and needle felting techniques. In wet felting, layers of carded wool are soaked in soapy water and agitated by hand, causing the fibers to interlock and form a dense, matted material. Needle felting, on the other hand, involves using barbed needles to entangle the wool fibers, refining the shape and design of the cave.
This combination of techniques ensures that each cat cave is not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable and perfectly suited for its purpose.
