When I first heard about CitiKitty, I couldn’t help but chuckle at the idea of cats using a toilet. But as I dug deeper into the story of this quirky yet brilliant invention, I realized how it addressed a real problem for millions of cat owners. CitiKitty is more than just a novelty; it’s a game-changer for those who love their feline friends but despise the mess and hassle of litter boxes. Let me take you on a journey through the fascinating story of CitiKitty, from its humble beginnings to its meteoric rise after Shark Tank.
The Birth of CitiKitty
Rebecca Rescate, the founder of CitiKitty, came up with the idea out of necessity. In 2005, she moved into a small New York City apartment and quickly realized that dealing with her cat’s litter box in such a confined space was far from ideal. Determined to find a cleaner and more space-efficient solution, Rebecca began researching ways to train cats to use the toilet. After experimenting with various homemade methods, she developed a simple yet effective system: a training kit featuring removable rings that gradually teach cats to use the toilet.
Rebecca’s innovation wasn’t just practical; it was also environmentally friendly. By eliminating litter boxes, CitiKitty reduces waste and saves cat owners money on litter. With over 100 million cats in the U.S. alone, the potential market for her product was enormous.
The Shark Tank Pitch
Rebecca appeared on Shark Tank in Season 2, Episode 9, seeking $100,000 for a 15% equity stake in her company. At this point, CitiKitty was far from a startup—it had already achieved impressive sales of $1.4 million without any advertising. Her pitch was straightforward and compelling. She demonstrated how the CitiKitty system works: starting with a training seat that fits onto any toilet and gradually removing rings until the cat is fully trained.
The sharks were intrigued but skeptical. Kevin O’Leary famously quipped, “Can old cats learn new tricks?” Rebecca confidently replied that her own cat, Samantha, was 11 years old when she successfully trained her. Her confidence and sales numbers caught the attention of Kevin Harrington and Barbara Corcoran, who both made offers.
The negotiations were intense:
- Kevin Harrington initially offered $100,000 for 40% equity.
- Barbara Corcoran countered with $100,000 for 15%, contingent on approval from her TV partner.
- Rebecca ultimately struck a deal with Kevin Harrington for $100,000 in exchange for 20% equity, valuing her company at $500,000 post-investment.
CitiKitty’s Shark Tank Journey at a Glance
Here’s a snapshot of CitiKitty’s journey on Shark Tank:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | CitiKitty |
| Founders | Rebecca Rescate |
| Season & Episode | Season 2, Episode 9 |
| Ask (Investment & Equity) | $100,000 for 15% equity |
| Final Deal | $100,000 for 20% equity |
| Shark(s) Involved | Kevin Harrington |
| Memorable Episode Moments | Rebecca’s confident rebuttal to skepticism |
| Current Net Worth | Estimated $16 million in lifetime sales |
| Current Business Status | Active |
| Revenue Since Shark Tank | Over $16 million |
| Social Media Presence | Active website and Amazon presence |
| Key Achievements | Featured in multiple Shark Tank updates; millions in sales |
Post-Shark Tank Success
The Shark Tank effect was immediate and profound. On the night CitiKitty aired, it became the top-selling item on Amazon in the Home and Garden category—a historic achievement for a startup without a large marketing budget. Within four hours of airing, Rebecca received over 1,800 orders. By the end of the week, that number had climbed to 9,000.
Under Kevin Harrington’s guidance, CitiKitty expanded its reach through television marketing campaigns and retail partnerships. The product gained widespread recognition as an innovative solution for pet owners. Sales skyrocketed to over $16 million in lifetime revenue by late 2024.
Rebecca didn’t stop there. She leveraged her success with CitiKitty to launch additional businesses and even returned to Shark Tank in Season 4 with another product called Hoodie Pillow.
Challenges and Triumphs
Running any business comes with its share of challenges, and CitiKitty was no exception. One hurdle Rebecca faced was skepticism from some consumers who doubted whether cats could truly be toilet-trained. However, glowing reviews from satisfied customers—and even viral videos of cats using toilets—helped dispel these doubts.
Another challenge was competition from similar products like Litter Kwitter. While some critics accused Rebecca of copying existing ideas, she maintained that CitiKitty’s design was unique and more user-friendly.
Despite these challenges, Rebecca’s resilience and entrepreneurial spirit kept CitiKitty thriving. She even used her experience to mentor other entrepreneurs through her consulting business.
Current Status
As of January 2025, CitiKitty remains an active and successful business:
- The product continues to sell well on its website and Amazon.
- It has over 8,000 reviews on Amazon with an average rating of 3.5 stars.
- Rebecca has expanded her entrepreneurial portfolio while maintaining involvement with CitiKitty.
The company has also achieved significant milestones:
- Over $16 million in lifetime revenue.
- Recognition as one of Shark Tank’s biggest success stories.
- A loyal customer base that appreciates its practicality and eco-friendliness.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
CitiKitty’s story offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to start their own business:
- Solve a Real Problem: Rebecca identified a common pain point—dealing with litter boxes—and created an effective solution.
- Know Your Numbers: Her ability to present strong sales figures impressed the sharks and gave her credibility.
- Be Confident: Rebecca’s poise during negotiations helped her secure a favorable deal.
- Leverage Opportunities: The exposure from Shark Tank propelled CitiKitty into mainstream success.
Looking Ahead
CitiKitty has not only revolutionized cat care but also inspired countless entrepreneurs to think outside the box (or litter box). As Rebecca continues to innovate and mentor others, it’s clear that her impact extends far beyond this one product.
For me personally, learning about CitiKitty has been both entertaining and inspiring. It’s proof that even seemingly small ideas can lead to big success when executed well. Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll see more pet products following in CitiKitty’s footsteps—or should I say paw prints?
So here’s to Rebecca Rescate and her toilet-trained cats—a true testament to innovation and determination!