Working with a pro is wise for many of these projects, as features like elevated walkways or catios need to be secure to prevent danger for pets and people alike. Wilson recommends that homeowners factor in their wall type and the location of any studs before installing a cat complex to ensure that the wall can handle the weight and the item is installed safely. Resilient materials that can hold up to scratches, drool and the occasional accident (Oliver recommends “nearly indestructible” fabrics like Crypton and Ultrasuede) are also a must.
One of the cats’ favorite spots is in something architect Eddie Jones calls “the jungle,” shown here and in the first photo. The front door opens to an atrium, the center point of the home, with a circular garden and a spiral staircase with circular treads leading up to a glass-bottomed mezzanine tucked under the roof.
The couple’s dog, Luke, enjoys watching the chipmunks out a low window in the hallway designed for him. Peck wanted a different experience for humans — the hallway is a compressed and otherwise windowless space. This adds impact to the experience of walking toward the wall of bedroom windows.
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