While indoor cats tend to live longer, healthier lives compared to their outdoor counterparts, it’s common for these pets to experience boredom and stress due to being confined to the home. Five years ago, Maria Canora-Jones was in search of ways to entertain her first cat, Max. Although he was an indoor cat, he displayed a strong desire to explore the outdoors. She offered Max various indoor toys and activities; however, he was still eager to venture outside. Maria then tried outdoor structures, but felt they were expensive, restrictive, and still did not satisfy Max’s curiosity.
After little success with traditional solutions offered by pet stores, Maria set off to design her own product. Maria wanted Max to have the freedom to explore outdoors without compromising his safety. Maria’s adventurous cat would eventually inspire her to design the innovative Catmobile.
From cat mom to entrepreneur, Maria Canora-Jones of Furball Enterprises LLC is now gearing up for the official launch of her product, Catmobile, a 4-in-1 outdoor exercise ball that allows cats to safely explore the outdoors.
Maria began the design process as soon as the idea came to mind. She started by sketching out concepts, then spent years refining several prototypes in her basement. Despite challenges and failures, Maria persevered and finally developed a working prototype ready for production. The next step was turning her invention into a business.
Maria enrolled in the 2023 Frederick County Chamber of Commerce’s S.H.E. Pitch competition, where she connected with the Maryland Women’s Business Center (MWBC) Senior Business Consultant, Karen Kalantzis. During the S.H.E. Pitch process, Maria worked closely with Karen to build the foundation of her business. While Maria primarily focused on the design and production of the product, Karen helped her navigate the essential elements of entrepreneurship, including formulating a business plan, conducting market research, and funding strategies.
“Karen Kalantzis’s support, along with the S.H.E. Pitch instruction, was invaluable,” Maria shared.
MWBC works with entrepreneurs like Maria across Maryland’s capital region, providing one-on-one business counseling, educational workshops, networking events, and other accessible resources.
Maria’s pitch for Catmobile advanced to the semi-finals of S.H.E. Pitch 2023, gaining valuable exposure and feedback. Following S.H.E. Pitch, Maria focused on refining the product through testing while also identifying manufacturers to begin production. With a manufacturer secured, Maria then partnered with a Frederick-based marketing agency to develop a marketing campaign that included photo and video content for her website and social media. As of March 2025, Maria is ready to share her invention with cat owners around the world and is now in the pre-launch phase of her campaign, actively crowdfunding to bring her product to the market. With ongoing support from MWBC, Maria continues to refine her business model and prepare for full-scale production and distribution of Catmobile.
“Don’t just settle with a thought,” Maria encouraged, “if you believe your idea has potential, pursue it.”
About Catmobile
Catmobile™ is the first outdoor exercise ball that safely enhances a cat’s natural instincts without the worry of them running off. This carefully designed 4-in-1 patent pending product is an outdoor exercise ball, a carrier, a secure car seat and a playpen eliminating cost and clutter in your home.
Learn more about Catmobile: catmobile.shop
Want to launch your own business? Sign up for one-on-one business counseling with MWBC: marylandwbc.org/counseling