Xing Zhilei, a Chinese YouTuber with an engineering background, built a fully functional mini subway system for his cats. This is not just a static sculpture, it has tunnels, a station and a working train.
Four months of work went into this project, a testament to Xing’s dedication. He started with an idea sparked by his audience, who after seeing his cat house project two years ago, asked him to do something even bigger. The cat house itself was no small achievement—a mini world with a Cybertruck, a spa, a quad bike, a supermarket, a garage and even a theater.
DIY Subway System Cats
There were two key problems during the early stages of the construction. First, Xing had to find out how to synchronize the train doors with the platform doors, a critical feature for simulating the smooth running of a real subway. Second, he needed to create a functional escalator, which required both mechanical understanding and imaginative problem-solving. Instead of letting these obstacles stop him, Xing dived in and tackled each issue as it arose. His confidence paid off. The final system works and feels alive, with a welcome announcement for “arriving passengers” at Cattown Station.
DIY Subway System Cats
Every part of the subway is Xing’s attention to detail. The train, a mini marvel, glides through tunnels and arrives at a station designed for feline passengers. Platform doors open in sync with the train’s, so cats can board and alight with ease. The escalator is a highlight, it adds a layer of realism that makes the whole setup feel like a tiny city. Even the cleanup process, which Xing jokingly calls a “headache”, was streamlined with the help of a robot (he clarifies this was a joke).
Xing’s broader cat house project provides context for this subway’s significance. Over the years he has expanded this mini world, adding new features to create a huge interconnected environment for his pets. His dogs, cats and hamsters all benefit from his creations, which range from the practical—like 100 insulated shelters for stray cats built in 48 hours—to the fantastical—like the Cybertruck and theater.