Controllable Cat Ears (and practical solid version)

These cat ears are an impractical fashion accessory for the eccentric puppeteers in the world. Control is made through pulling strings on the front (for forward) and back (for up). In case anyone likes the shape but doesn't want to contend with the strings, the uncut headband is included as well.
 

To point the ears up, put high tension on the back strings, and low tension on the front strings. To point the ears forward put low to medium pressure on the front strings.

For assembly you will need
-one copy of all parts in the moveable ears folder
-string of some kind (probably fishing line)

If your print comes out fairly clean, the string can be fed through the outer arms; however, if you had difficulties with printing that section, you can use the holes at the base of the ears instead.

For difficult threading sections, you can feed any thin pliable solid through the hole until it is poking out both sides, make a fold in the section sticking out where you want to start your threading, then use your new hook to pull the thread through the hole. I used thin scrap strips from previous prints,

There are several stringing patterns that will work, but always use a separate line for the front and the back. The pattern in the video is one string across the entire front, and one across the back. For slightly more control you can use two strings for both ears instead of the shared version, but as seen in the clip, individual control is possible with even the fully continuous version.

Be careful if using dental floss as your string, it has a very strong smell that will stick to your hands. It is the only string I have tested, but I suggest trying anything else first.



Thank you to my friend who was willing show the ears in action.