Imagine coming home to your furry friend purring happily as you enter. Cat owners cherish the warmth and joy these creatures bring. But, what if you could bond with your cat in a new way, beyond just petting and playing?
On ABC’s Shark Tank, the Licki Brush was introduced, changing how we connect with our cats. It’s made by Tara and Jason O’Mara of PDX Pet Design. This silicone brush, worn on the tongue, lets users lick-groom their pets, making for an unforgettable pitch on the show.
The Licki Brush had mixed reviews but stood out as a unique pet care solution. PDX Pet Design’s journey continued with laughter and interest, despite not landing a deal. They keep winning the hearts of cat owners worldwide through social media and CatCon events.
Key Takeaways
- PDX Pet Design’s Licki Brush offers a unique way to bond with your cat.
- Although not securing a deal, the product received significant attention on Shark Tank.
- The company thrived through active online presence and engagement in cat lover communities.
- PDX Pet Design also created the innovative SHRU toy for cats.
- The Licki Brush and other products remain available online for cat enthusiasts.
The Innovative Cat Licker on Shark Tank
Tara and Jason O’Mara started PDX Pet Design. They focus on better oral care for cats with cool grooming tools. Their inventions, like the Licki Brush, have won the hearts of cat lovers everywhere.
Introduction to PDX Pet Design
PDX Pet Design works to improve cat grooming with unique tools. The Licki Brush is their most famous product. It shows their commitment to pet and owner happiness. They also created a self-cleaning cat groomer and the SHRU Intelligent Cat Companion.
The Product: Licki Brush
The Licki Brush is key to PDX Pet Design’s success. It mimics a cat’s tongue with silicone and massage points. It feels like a real cat lick, which is good for the cat’s health. It helps cats and their owners feel closer.
Jimmy Kimmel’s Endorsement
Jimmy Kimmel helped make the Licki Brush famous. He featured its Kickstarter on his show. This shout-out from a celebrity made it popular among cat fans. It showed how unique and useful the brush is.
Jimmy Kimmel’s support highlights how creative products can improve pet care and strengthen pet-owner bonds.”
- PDX Pet Design – Tara and Jason O’Mara created this innovative company.
- Licki Brush – A tool designed to feel like a cat’s tongue.
- SHRU Intelligent Cat Companion – A product that keeps cats engaged.
| Feature | Licki Brush | SHRU |
|---|---|---|
| Function | Cat grooming and bonding | Self-activated play |
| Material | Silicone | Plastic and feathers |
| Benefit | Improves Licki Brush cat health | Stimulates playful instincts |
| Special Feature | Massaging tips | Simulates natural prey |
Cat LickerShark Tank Recap: How Did It Go?
Tara and Jason O’Mara offered a unique pitch on Shark Tank. Here’s what happened:
The Pitch: Seeking Investment
Tara and Jason O’Mara wanted $300,000 in exchange for 15% of PDX Pet Design. They introduced the Cat Licker. They said the Licki Brush helps prevent hairballs and brings cats and owners closer. They also showed it was already popular in the market.
Sharks’ Reactions and Feedback
The Sharks were both skeptical and amused. A highlight was when Robert Herjavec tried the Licki Brush, causing much laughter. However, not all Sharks were convinced of its practicality.
Sales Stats and Valuation
Despite the amusement, the sales figures intrigued the Sharks. PDX Pet Design made $250,000 from SHRU and $52,000 from the Licki Brush. Yet, the $2 million valuation raised eyebrows. Kevin O’Leary and others were skeptical about the high asking price given the sales.
Unexpected Moments and Laughs
The pitch was filled with laughter and memorable moments. The unique Cat Licker stood out. Even though the Sharks didn’t invest, PDX Pet Design got a lot of attention.
| Product | Revenue Before Show | Valuation |
|---|---|---|
| SHRU | $250,000 | — |
| Licki Brush | $52,000 | $2 million |
Life After Shark Tank: The Cat Licker’s Journey
After their appearance on Shark Tank, PDX Pet Design did not get a deal. Still, they pushed forward in the pet world. They kept selling their Licki Brush and SHRU Intelligent Cat Companion online. Thanks to events like CatCon, they stayed visible and connected with cat lovers.
They kept their fans updated and engaged on social media after Shark Tank. The O’Maras balanced their full-time jobs with running their business. This shows the hard work that goes into being a Shark Tank success story.
Competing in the cat grooming tool market was tough. By October 2021, PDX Pet Design had to close down, as seen on Tara O’Mara’s LinkedIn. This closure shows how unpredictable the pet product world is. Yet, their story is a tribute to creativity and the unbreakable spirit of small business owners.